The Agency for Cultural Affairs has a system for certifying as “Japan Heritage” stories that have been systematized as assets unique to a region, such as its historic buildings and streetscapes.
Kurashiki City has been certified for the following three Japan Heritage stories:
- A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower: A textile town woven from Japanese and Western influences
- A different world entwined with the dreams of men who overcame the stormy seas: Ports of call for Kitamaebune ships and shipowner settlements
- Okayama, Birthplace of the Legend of Momotaro: A tale of demon-slaying inspired by the heritage of ancient Kibi
The “Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test,” planned as an opportunity to learn about Kurashiki’s Japan Heritage, will be held on February 18, 2024.
Here’s an introduction to the Second Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test, where participants who score 90 points or higher also receive a certificate.
The information presented here is as of the article’s publication in January 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
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 has two divisions: the “Children’s Division,” for elementary school students and younger, and the “General Division,” open to all ages.
The first test was held in fiscal 2022, and this is the second.
Details are as follows:
| Date | Sunday, February 18, 2024, starting at 1:30 p.m. (60-minute test) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Life Park Kurashiki, Main Hall (940 Koshinden, Fukuda-cho, Kurashiki City) |
| Divisions | “General Division” (open to all ages) “Children’s Division” (elementary school students and younger) |
| Test fee |
500 yen per person (credit card and bank transfer accepted) *Fees are non-refundable after payment, even if you cancel in advance. |
| Eligibility | No restrictions |
| Capacity | “General Division” and “Children’s Division” (140 people total; first come, first served) |
| Number of questions | 50 questions in each division (100 points total) |
| Answer format | All questions are multiple choice, with four options |
Applications are accepted only through the dedicated website, and the test fee can also be paid online.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024. Note that this is one month before the test date.
Test coverage
Questions will mainly cover flyers and books about Kurashiki’s Japan Heritage, as well as some recent topics related to Japan Heritage.
These materials are available as PDFs and e-books on the official website, so anyone taking the test should be sure to review them.
Past test questions are also available on the official website.
Benefits
The following benefits are available to participants in both the Children’s and General Divisions:
- Those scoring 80 points or higher receive a provisional certification and a commemorative gift.
- Those scoring 90 points or higher receive a certificate and a commemorative gift.
- The top scorer in each division will be recognized and receive a supplementary prize.
Results of the first test
For reference, the results of the first test were as follows:
[Certified participants (scored 90 points or higher)]
2 people
[Top scorers (General Division)]
90 points (2 people)
[Top scorer (Children’s Division)]
88 points
An acquaintance of the writer took the test and said it was “difficult,” so it seems that earning certification was quite a challenge.
We spoke with Harada Yoshihiro and Utagawa Kazuki from the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office, which plans and runs the “Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test.”
Interview with staff from the Kurashiki City Japan Heritage Promotion Office
Could you tell us what inspired you to plan the “Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test”?
Harada
I think many people may not know much about Japan Heritage. Our aim was to raise awareness of Japan Heritage itself through the test, help people appreciate the appeal of Kurashiki, which has been recognized as Japan Heritage, and encourage them to feel attached to their hometown.
We also see it as an opportunity to gain knowledge, since even people who already know about Japan Heritage can learn a variety of things through the test.
Utagawa
Every year, we had an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for what to do in connection with Japan Heritage.
I actually came up with the idea. We had been running a test called “1,000 Questions on Kosuke Kindaichi,” and I thought we could do something similar for Japan Heritage. I proposed it, and the idea became a reality.
What would you like participants to take away from the test?
Harada
If you live in Kurashiki, I’d like you to learn about your hometown and gain knowledge you can be proud of, so you can tell people, “Kurashiki is a pretty great place.”
Do you have a message for our readers?
Harada
The test fee is only 500 yen, so I hope people will give it a try.
Kurashiki has been recognized as Japan Heritage for three stories, so I hope you’ll start by studying whichever one of the three appeals to you or seems easiest to understand.
I’d be happy if you then went on to explore the second and third stories as well.
Utagawa
When you visit a tourist destination without knowing about the place, I think you only take in vague information.
So, think of it as “preparation”: build up your knowledge of Kurashiki and take the test as an opportunity to learn about the places you visit.
From the Writer
There are not many regions with three stories recognized as Japan Heritage.
Kurashiki City could in a sense be called a “Japan Heritage town.” Why not take the Second Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Test as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural properties that make up these stories?
Articles about Japan Heritage in Kurashiki City
2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam Information
| Name | 2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam |
|---|---|
| Date | February 18, 2024 (Sunday), starting at 1:30 p.m. ※Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024 |
| Location | Life Park Kurashiki Main Hall |
| Participation fee (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 2nd Kurashiki Japan Heritage Certification Exam |
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