In 1955, the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Properties designated holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties, so-called Living National Treasures, for the first time. Since then, 350 persons have been selected as its holders. As of July 17, 2015, there are 115 holders of 79 items of Important Intangible Cultural Properties. Holders are recognized to have mastered waza (skill), which has high historical or artistic value. Holders are divided into two categories: Performing Arts and Craft Techniques. How has the designation of Holders of Important Intangible Cultural Property been effective or ineffective in preserving waza? Although as many as twenty-four actors of kabuki theater has been designated as holders, their skill has rarely been passed on to the next generation. Professor Okada will explore the Japanese system of protecting waza in the performing arts.

Mariko Okada is Associate Professor at Faculty of Humanities, J. F. Oberlin University, Tokyo, Japan. Dr. Okada received her Ph.D. from Waseda University in Tokyo in 2011. Her book The Birth of Kyōmai: Inoue-ryu Dance in Nineteenth-Century Kyoto, Japan was released in 2013 and received several awards. Her current research interest is fan culture of Kabuki and diversities of Kabuki culture. Dr. Okada is the co-curator for Japanese Prints of Kabuki Theater from the Collection of the University of Michigan Museum of Art.