Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs announced that a UNESCO advisory body has proposed adding a group of ancient sites in Nara Prefecture to the World Cultural Heritage list. These sites illustrate the formation of Japan's early centralized state.
In a notice dated June 3, the advisory body praised the value of the Asuka-Fujiwara archaeological ensemble. This group includes archaeological sites and structures related to the Asuka period (roughly 6th to 8th centuries) and the former capital Fujiwara-kyo, once Japan's political center.
The proposal will be submitted to UNESCO's World Heritage Committee for review and approval. If accepted, it would become Japan's 21st UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site.
The Asuka-Fujiwara sites date from the 6th to 7th centuries and include the ruins of the ancient capital Fujiwara-kyo and numerous other archaeological locations. They reflect the transition from a clan-based society to a centralized state, heavily influenced by Chinese and Korean cultures.
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is expected to meet in July to finalize the list of recognized heritage sites.
