A study tour in Japan for administrative officials from Timor-Leste was implemented at the request of the government of Timor-Leste and the UNESCO Jakarta Office.
The objectives of this project were as follows: 1) participants gain knowledge on institutional and policy framework at national and local levels in Japan; 2) participants acquire information on good practices of transmitting, conserving, and disseminating ICH in Japan; 3) officers in charge of the cultural sector achieve a common understanding of the existing problems in Timor-Leste.
The study tour was held in Tokyo, Oga City, Yuki City and Mashiko Town from 22 to 26 October 2013 including the workshop and field visits. The workshop consisted of lectures by Japanese ICH experts (national, local and community level), presentations by participants and group work sessions to identify the problems and needs for ICH safeguarding. Also, field visits were made to the various types of museums and communities in connection with the safeguarding of ICH at national and community levels.
A total of 22 experts and participants from Timore-Leste, the Portuguese Republic, Indonesia and Japan were involved in this project.
The outcomes of the study tour have been published to complete the project.