The 2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam (Applications are open until January 19, 2024) - Is obtaining the certification surprisingly difficult? Let's take the exam as a chance to learn about cultural properties.

There is a system in which the Agency for Cultural Affairs certifies stories that have been systematized as region-specific assets, such as historical buildings and townscapes in the area, as "Japan Heritage."

The following three Japan Heritage sites are certified in Kurashiki City.

1. A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower - A town of textiles woven with harmony of Japanese and Western cultures
2. A different world entwined with the dreams of men who overcame the stormy seas - The port of Kitamae ships and the shipowners' village
3. Okayama, Birthplace of the Legend of Momotaro - The story of demon-slaying invited by the ancient Kibi heritage

The "Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test," planned as an opportunity to learn about Kurashiki's Japan Heritage, will be held on February 18, 2024.

The "2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test," where you can receive a certificate for scoring over 90 points, is introduced.

What is the "Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test"?

The "Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test" is a local certification test organized by the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Council.

It is divided into two courses: the Children's Division for elementary school students and below, and the General Division for all ages.

The first test was held in 2022, and this will be the second test.
The outline of the test is as follows.

Applications are accepted only through the dedicated website, and the test fee can also be paid online.

Kurashiki City Japan Heritage - Three Stories to Pass Down Kurashiki's History and the Challenges of the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office

Kurashiki City, where many historical landscapes remain. In the Bikan Historical Area, buildings of merchants symbolizing the prosperity of the textile industry that has continued since the Edo period line the streets, allowing you to see the scenery of that time even today. Seto Inland Sea…

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Scope of Questions

Questions will be based mainly on flyers and books related to Kurashiki's Japan Heritage, as well as some recent topics related to "Japan Heritage."

You can find PDFs and e-books published on the official website, so those taking the test should definitely check them out.

Additionally, past questions are also available on the official website.

Benefits

There are the following benefits for both the Children's Division and the General Division.

• Those who score over 80 points will receive a semi-certification and a commemorative gift
• Those who score over 90 points will receive a certification and a commemorative gift
• The highest scorer in each division will be awarded and receive additional prizes

Results of the 1st Test

By the way, the results of the 1st test are as follows.

【Certified Individuals (those who scored over 90 points)】
2 people

【Highest Scorer (General Division)】
90 points (2 people)

【Highest Scorer (Children's Division)】
88 points

I know someone who took the test, and as they said, "It was difficult," it seems that certification was quite a challenging gate to pass.

I spoke with Yoshihiro Harada and Kazuki Utagawa from the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office, who plan and operate the "Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test."

Interview with the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office Staff

Can you tell us about the background of the "Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test"?

Harada

Many people may not know about Japan Heritage.
Through the certification test, we aim to raise awareness of Japan Heritage itself while allowing people to experience the charm of Kurashiki, which has been certified as a Japan Heritage, and to foster a sense of attachment to their hometown.

Additionally, for those who already know about it, we consider it a place to acquire knowledge through the test.

Utagawa

Every year, we have opportunities to brainstorm ideas about what to do regarding Japan Heritage.

Actually, I was the one who proposed it. I thought that since we were doing a test called "1000 Questions of Kindaichi Kosuke," we could do something similar for Japan Heritage, and it was realized.

What do you want test takers to feel?

Harada

Since you live in Kurashiki, I hope you will learn about your local area and have knowledge that allows you to proudly say, "Kurashiki is a great place!" to various people.

Please give a message to the readers.

Harada

The test fee is 500 yen, so I hope you will take it casually.

Kurashiki has been certified as a Japan Heritage with three stories, so I hope you will start studying from one of them that you like or find easy to understand.

And I would be happy if you could expand your knowledge to the second and third stories.

Utagawa

When you visit a tourist spot, if you look at it without knowing anything about the area, I think you only get vague information.

So I hope you will accumulate knowledge about Kurashiki as a kind of "preparation" and take the test as a starting point to learn about the tourist spots.

Conclusion

There are not many regions where three stories have been certified as Japan Heritage.

In a sense, Kurashiki City can be called a "Japan Heritage Town," so why not take the "2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test" as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the cultural properties that make up these stories?

Articles about Kurashiki's Japan Heritage

Data for the 2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam

Name	2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam
Date	February 18, 2024 (Sunday) starting at 1:30 PM * Application for the exam is until 5:00 PM on January 19, 2024 (Friday)
Location	Life Park Kurashiki Large Hall
Participation Fee (including tax)	Free
Website	2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam

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