ORGANISATION

GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Intangible cultural heritage (ICH), such as oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, and rituals, is also called living heritage. Being transmitted from generation to generation and transformed over time, ICH nurtures cultural diversity, which is a source of innovation, creativity, and exchange. In the current world with increased globalization, where we face the issues of maintaining cultural diversity and promoting sustainable development, there are high expectations for the contribution of culture to sustainable development. In addition, as mentioned in the United Nations, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the role of ICH including traditional knowledge and cultural practices held over generations by the communities should be further recognized.

 

The Asia-Pacific region, which covers two thirds of the world population, is the treasure house of ICH. However, this rich cultural diversity is currently endangered as a result of various factors such as social transformation, ageing, disasters, and conflicts. Safeguarding ICH is now undeniably an urgent issue, and international cooperation is crucial.

 

To address these concerns, the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI), as a research hub in the region in the field of ICH safeguarding, is committed to the creation of a platform for ICH research as well as various case studies on practices　that address ongoing international issues, including Disaster Risk Management, SDGs, and the COVID-19 Pandemic. These activities are carried out in close cooperation with UNESCO and other related organizations such as universities, research institutes, governmental and non-governmental organizations, museums, and communities worldwide.

 

As an international institution situated in Japan, the forerunner of ICH safeguarding, IRCI will continue its efforts alongside diverse actors to revitalize ICH and promote its safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region by implementing and facilitating relevant research programmes.

 

MACHIDA Daisuke

STAFF

Director-General
MACHIDA Daisuke
General Affairs Section
Deputy Unit Chief 
ISHITSUBO Naoki
Officer
YAO Teruki
Associate Fellow
IKEDA Akiko
Research Section
Head
NOJIMA Yoko
Associate Fellow
YAMAMOTO Hitomi
Associate Fellow
OKURA Mieko
Associate Fellow
YU Le
Associate Fellow
NAMIKI Kanami
Associate Fellow
TSUJI Takashi
Associate Fellow
KIZAKI Chikako
Cooperative Researcher

ISHIMURA Tomo

(Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)

 

 

HONORARY ADVISOR

MATSUURA Koïchiro
Former Director-General of UNESCO

Appointed as an IRCI’s honorary advisor since 1 October 2017.

With a variety of experience and knowledge from UNESCO and diplomatic career, Mr Matsuura gives important advice and support concerning the operation of IRCI.

 

SENIOR FELLOW

KONO Toshiyuki
Professor Emeritus, Kyushu University

Appointed as an IRCI’s senior fellow as of 1 October 2021.

Mr KONO had been a member of the Governing Board of IRCI for ten years since its establishment. As Senior Fellow, he continues to advise IRCI on its operation based on his rich experience and knowledge.

GOVERNING BOARD

The Governing Board, which consists of 10 experts and representatives of specialised institutions inside and outside Japan including a UNESCO representative, deliberates and approves all IRCI activities, including long-term and medium-term programmes, work plans, and reports.

Eighth Governing Board Meeting of IRCI (November 2019)

Governing Board Members
SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
President, Independent Administrative Institution, National Institutes of Cultural Heritage, Japan
TOKURA Shunichi
Commissioner, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan
KUROKAWA Hiroko
Member, Japanese National Commission for UNESCO/Director and Professor/Curator, The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan
ZHU Yanhui
Deputy Director, Division of International Organizations, Bureau for International Exchanges and Cooperation, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China
LEE Yaena
Director, World Heritage Division, Cultural Heritage Administration of the Republic of Korea
YEO Kirk Siang
Senior Director (Heritage Policy), National Heritage Board, Singapore
IWASAKI Masami
Specially appointed Researcher, Center for Development Policy Studies, Hokkai-Gakuen University
YOSHIDA Kenji
Director-General, National Museum of Ethnology, Japan
NAGAFUJI Hideki
Mayor, Sakai City, Japan
DUONG Bich Hanh
Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO Beijing Office, People’s Republic of China
(as of October 2023)

ADVISORY BODY

The Advisory Body, comprised of experts well versed in the field of intangible cultural heritage, provides professional perspectives to the Director-General upon elaboration and implementation of IRCI long-term, medium-term programmes, and work plans. Moreover, the Advisory Body gives advice to the Governing Board on the report submitted by the IRCI to the Board.

Advisory Body Members
Ahmed SKOUNTI
Professor (Anthropologist and Cultural Heritage Expert), Institut National des Sciences de l’Archéologie et du Patrimoine (Morocco)
HAYAMI Yoko
Professor, CSEAS (Center for Southeast Asian Studies) Kyoto University
Don NILES
Assistant Director, Music Division, Institute of Papua New Guinea Studies
Hanafi HUSSIN
Associate Professor, Department of Southeast Asian Studies, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Malaya, Head of Maritime Culture and Geopolitics Unit, Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences (IOES), University of Malaya, Head, University of Malaya Migration Research Centre, Deputy Dean, Social Advance and Happiness Research Cluster, University of Malaya

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