I went to the Japan Heritage Certification Symposium "The 'Date' Culture Developed by Masamune"!

March 20, 2017.
On this day, a symposium was held at the Sendai International Center to commemorate the 450th anniversary of Date Masamune's birth and the designation of "The 'Date' Culture Cultivated by Masamune" as a Japan Heritage site in 2016.
This report covers the symposium!

What is Japan Heritage?

So, what exactly is a Japan Heritage site?
A Japan Heritage site is a story that tells of the historical and cultural appeal of a region, certified by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.
The biggest difference between Japan Heritage sites and important cultural properties is that they are not intended for protection or preservation.
The purpose of Japan Heritage sites is to promote the region and Japan as a whole by disseminating information both domestically and internationally.

Therefore, a building is not automatically designated as a Japan Heritage site simply because it is historically valuable. The
key factor is how interesting and engaging the story behind it is.
In 2016, "The 'Date' Culture Cultivated by Masamune" was designated a Japan Heritage site.
What kind of story will it reveal to us?

Date Masamune 450th Anniversary Promotion

Prior to the symposium commemorating the Japan Heritage designation, a kick-off ceremony was held to promote the 450th anniversary of the birth of Date Masamune, an event aimed at livening up Miyagi Prefecture in 2017

2017 marks the 450th anniversary of the birth of Date Masamune. The
purpose of this commemorative promotion is to refocus on Date Masamune's many achievements and to promote the charms of Miyagi Prefecture to the entire country during this momentous year.

There are currently 25 projects announced
, and that number is likely to increase further.
As a resident of Miyagi Prefecture, I would like to contribute by promoting them through web media!

The ceremony was attended by representatives from various municipalities in Miyagi Prefecture, as well as the "Date Bushotai," Miyagi Prefecture's leading tourism PR group, and "Musubimaru," the Miyagi Tourism PR manager. The
Date Bushotai's performance greatly excited the crowd.
The ceremony concluded with a triumphant cry from Date Masamune, performed by the Date Bushotai, bringing the excitement to its peak.

Japan Heritage Certification Commemorative Symposium

Next was the symposium commemorating the designation as a Japan Heritage site.
Following the opening declaration, a performance of the Miyagi Prefecture-designated intangible cultural property "Osawa Rice Planting Dance" and a video introducing the story of "the 'Date' culture nurtured by Masamune" were shown, giving the audience a glimpse into the "Date" culture.

Next came the talk show, which I was most looking forward to.
Titled "Discussing the Charms of the 'Date' Culture Cultivated by Masamune, a Japanese Heritage Site," this segment was dedicated to discussing the fascinating cultural assets created by Date Masamune.

The guests included Kenichi Sato, former director of the Sendai City Museum, actor Shingo Murakami, who played the role of Naoe Kanetsugu in the historical drama "Sanada Maru," history-loving idol Eri Kohinata, and Akihiro Yamada, head of the Cultural Properties Protection Division of the Miyagi Prefectural Board of Education, and they discussed the historical appeal of the area from various perspectives

Along the way, there were some unexpected incidents, such as when Mr. Murakami recited a poem written by Date Masamune in his handsome voice, and was asked to recite it a second time because his voice was so good, and when Ms. Kohinata Eri was suddenly asked about Touken Ranbu, she seemed flustered. However, the presentation clearly introduced ways to better appreciate cultural properties associated with Masamune, such as Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Zuiganji Temple.
Seriously though, his voice was absolutely amazing.

What left the biggest impression on me was the new way to enjoy Osaki Hachimangu Shrine. I learned
that you can discover new ways to appreciate the shrine by visiting under unusual conditions, such as "Osaki Hachimangu Shrine in the rain" or "Osaki Hachimangu Shrine in the morning."

In the panel discussion that followed, representatives from each local government gave presentations on how they expect the Japan Heritage designation to change their region

Sendai City Board of Education Superintendent Hiromitsu Ogoshi announced that they will be promoting the multifaceted appeal of Date Masamune as a warrior, cultural figure, and ruler to a wide audience, from children to the general public. He
also stated that other municipalities would like to promote new aspects of the appeal of Sendai, focusing on the relationship between the Sendai domain and the local area.

Participate in the event

To be honest, I was worried that it might be a serious symposium and I might even fall asleep, but it turned out to be a meaningful event where I discovered new charms of historical and cultural properties that I hadn't known about before. I
feel like I can now revisit places I've been to several times and see them from a more advanced perspective.

Numerous events related to Date Masamune will be held in Miyagi Prefecture from now on.
If you live in Miyagi Prefecture, please come and check them out.
I'm sure your interest will deepen!

Even if you don't live in Miyagi Prefecture, please come and enjoy the "Date" culture!
Stories designated as Japan Heritage await you!

INFORMATION

Chimon

A balding writer who loves travel and laughter.
A nice guy who hides his thinning hair by shaving his head!
He travels north and south to bring smiles to Tohoku through his writing!

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