ACCU Group Training Course 2025

ACCU 2025

Background

Starting from 2000, in partnership with the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan; ICCROM, and National Research Institutes of Cultural Properties (Tokyo and Nara), Cultural Heritage Protection Cooperation Office, Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU Nara) has initiated and conducted multiple capacity building and outreach programmes targeting young professionals involved in research, conservation, and management of cultural heritage in the countries of Asia and Pacific. 

We are pleased to announce the 26th ACCU group training course under the theme Conservation and Management of Wooden Built Heritage. The course is open to young professionals who have been working for some years within the field of conservation and management of wooden architecture, are eager to expand their knowledge and skills, share experiences, and contribute to the sustainable protection of wooden buildings, structures, and historic districts which reflect the character and identity of the Asia-Pacific countries and are, therefore, important to preserve for future generations. 

Organisers

  • Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan
  • Cultural Heritage Protection Cooperation Office, Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO (ACCU Nara)
  • International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
  • National Research Institute for Cultural Properties [Tokyo and Nara]

Objectives

https://www.nara.accu.or.jp/english/event-requirements2025.html

Inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020, traditional skills, techniques and knowledge for the conservation and transmission of wooden architecture are vast and deeply rooted in Japan. Here, nearly all traditional buildings, whether secular or sacred, World Heritage or local landmark, are made of wood. Hot and humid climate, frequent natural or manmade disasters necessitated the continuous repair and restoration of these buildings, forming the foundation of solid principles, methods and skills for their preservation and continuity that are widely recognised and appreciated inside and outside the country. 

Considering the above, the main objectives of this course are to provide participants with: 

  • Theoretical knowledge and basic practical skills of repair and restoration, conservation and management of individual wooden structures as well as historic districts based on Japanese know-how and experiences;
  • Knowledge on philosophy and methodology of preservation and legal protection systems for wooden architectural heritage based on Japanese examples.
  • Opportunities and platforms where participants and lecturers can share their knowledge and practice, communicate, and build professional networks. 

Dates and Method 

Dates: 25 August (Mon) - 2 October (Thu) 

  • Online course using digital platforms: 25 August – 5 September
  • On-site course in Nara, Japan: 19 September – 2 October 

Method: Hybrid mode involving both online and on-site programmes. 

Participants

A maximum of 15 young professionals engaged in archaeology in the Asia-Pacific countries (more info here)

Course Fee

Free

How to Apply

Please carefully read the General Information below, and submit all application documents along with the Letter of Recommendation from NATCOM to nara@accu.or.jp before 15 June (Sun) 2025.

Please have more info here