1111' IIIUIIUIII III,ll llllllll1'1 ,111111 0127100018
Certificate of Consent N° ...... 013 .. ~ ......
The National Council for the Safeguarding and Promotion of Raiho-shin Rituals is an organization
that consists of local governments that are comprised of bearers and holders of the Raiho-shin
rituals that have been included on the national inventory of Japan as Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Properties. The Council works to safeguard and promote the rituals that involve the
visiting of Raiho-shin, deities in masks and special costumes. These rituals are part of the
traditional culture of Japan.
The rituals described in the nomination entitled "Raiho-shin" are performed on specific days
that mark the beginning or end of seasons. The characteristics of the rituals vary by region
depending on climate or common occupations, and the rituals themselves have all been handed
down and re-created in various regions.
The inscription of "Raiho-shin" on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity will bring pride to community members. lt will also strengthen ties between
the community members concerned with this nomination, and will be a driving force behind
safeguarding efforts.
I give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin," which extends the element "Koshikijima no Toshidon'' that was previously inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
23 February, 2017
President of the National Council for the Safeguarding and Promotion of Raiho-shin Rituals (Office) c/o the Oga City Educational Committee 66-1 lzumidai, Aza, Funagawa, Funagawa Minato, Oga-shi, Akita, JAPAN *~fltlrr*{*ff · mw~~Mh~~~li, ~~~~B:;mx11::;ft:tO)*~fltlrr*~~
-:>!3~~-c:m.EX2:n, B*O)ffitmx11::;-c~~f&® · f&~O) '*~t$rr*J 0){~ ff · m!fl!~ ~ ~ t::&)O);'l§"~JJ ~ L -cl,'* 9 0
'C..O) '*~f$fi~J li, -ftl.-Ftl,iJ{B*O)R:Q*I=~ <*SLF--=>L't::MO)f!JEJI= fi;btl,, Jffil±~-~. 5f!~C: l,\ -5 ~t:Jft~*l= J: "? -c 2: *~*Id:~~ C: L) Jd:f.J{ G~
!iB""CffiX. ~*tl. ""CL'*9o
4-@J, I*ID.Jf$fi*J f.J(:L;f..A::J~MX11::;JI~ft;~-~~~=~cJX2:tl.~;: C: c
Jd:tl,ld:, it!r~O)~ L) C t~~ C ~1=, ~000)fi*fii.I±O)**fl5£ ( Jd: L), {*Mlf.J{~
G l=ttJi ~ n~ IJ.J ~ C: Id:~;: C: iJ{!IJH~-c ~ * 9 o
-:>~* L ""Cii, *iWO)~B~~~ I t, EHE!d:~Ji~U=~-:5~, ..:L;f..A::::J·Jf~:)({t;
:il~tt~-~~~=~c.JX 2: nt:: ~~~0) 1-- ~ t-: / J ~:J3t5ft L t::4-IEJO)~~~=--=> t. '
""([Ej~ L *9o
2017!tf: 2.F.I 23B
*~-l$fi"l>i'llff · li
($~~) t.kEB!Jrd~~Ilm~'dJII~WJJII*~-EI' 6 6- 1 ~llmr&~~~~ P'1 Certificate of Consent
The Association for the Preservation of Koshik.ijima no Toshidon gives its free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho·shin" to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. "Koshikijima no Toshidon" was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1977 and inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List on September 30, 2009. The Association for the Preservation of Koshik.ijima no Toshidon and the local community are currently working to safeguard and transmit the element. After the element's inscription on the UNESCO Representative List, there was a slight increase in the number of visitors. We have been handling this issue by explaining to visitors and members of the media before the ritual that Toshidon are deities who only appear during the sacred ritual performed on New Year's Eve. As members of the preservation association, we are proud that this ritual has continued to be performed in the privacy of community members' homes as a way for the community and family members to pray together for children to grow up healthy instead of becoming a ritual re·enacted for tourists. The purpose of the ritual is not to show our traditions off to the world. We view it as a part ofthe education young children receive. The children transmit what they have experienced to the next generation. Many young people leave the island to go to school or find work, and the declining population has become an issue for us. But the ritual also gives former residents an opportunity to return to their communities. Therefore, we will continue to patiently work to transmit this ritual to the children of our community. After the inscription of "Raiho·shin" on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, we would like to keep transmitting the Toshidon ritual to future generations like we have up to now.
1 ~ February, 2017 ~if' }-Yf-\r/(=f,~~ ~l/9 &p}A Mr. Kunihiro Uchi, President of the Association for the Preservation ofKoshikijima no Toshidon
1978 Teuchi, Shimokoshiki·cho, Satsumasendai·shi, Kagoshima, JAPAN ••~~~~~~. ~~-~~£~~-•M~m~~~~~~~- r*m~ft~ ~~* A ::z1!1Uf~X11::1ft_gg{-t£{-Jl£{""'-~~~~;:IPJ~v'f~ L- '*To na~ ~~r-~1:t, IIH1'o5 z~~;:oo:m~~~.s;;mx1i::M~;:m:q:~n. ¥P.Xz I~9JJ 3 0 S ~;:~*A ::z~~X{I::jl_gg{-t£{-Ji£{~;:WC~~h'* L-t~o m:ff. tm£11(7) ~ ~ p- ~f:liH'¥~1:t. 4-1&(7)~#. ~lJ:~;:-:lv'-c±iB~~f*~J& IJ m1v~:to IJ *To ~*A ::z ~~1&. lt:Jit$;6~ffi;IJp L- -c :to IJ • ll:Jlt$, -= .!lBYr.£~t!Jil;fiJ''~r=nrnlliT-¥trl 91 s:~=±~B tfli&C7)~~~~*1f~ ~~ ~ ~~ Certificate of Consent "Koshikijima no Toshidon" is a sacred ritual that is performed annually. The Toshidon, who only appear on New Year's Eve, admonish children for the bad things they did over the year. The ritual teaches young children right from wrong, and the children grow up believing in and respecting the Toshidon deities. The ritual was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1977 and inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage on September 30, 2009. Before the 2009 inscription, six preservation associations in the region joined to form the Association for the Preservation of Koshikijima no Toshidon. The Association has cherished the old traditions that have been handed down and transmitted this ritual from parent to child for many generations. This extended nomination groups together the ten rituals that involve Raiho·shin, or visiting deities, that exist in eight prefectures. The inscription of the extended nomination file would facilitate exchanges between other holders of Raiho·shin rituals and create opportunities for international exchanges as well. On the other hand, as the visibility of the ten elements increases, we expect that the number of visitors will increase. We are concerned that this will affect our sacred ritual. However, we are prepared to tackle such new challenges, and we will continue to respect the spirit of the Toshidon ritual and work to transmit it. Having fully understood the purposes of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, I hereby give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho·shin." 17 February, 2017 Mr. Hideo Iwakiri, Mayor ofSatsumasendai 3-22 Kanda·cho, Satsumasendai·shi, Kagoshima, JAPAN ~.[ SJ (J) 1-- ~ F Y 1:1, *~ 13 ~~ L-iP ib G b .hJ.t v '~t$ il~ 7-1* f.: ~ (l) 1 ~ r~, (J) ®j\\ ~.a:-~ G L-~, ~TJ}]~~1~\ L---:>lt(J)-~ C: v'? iii.a:-11t-1tfilf--:>, 1$~t.t~r:J:lfi"$-z+ib VJ, -T1*t.:. f:J t 1-- ~ F Y .a:-:flll:#R C: v·cf* t:~~-c P.X:* L- -cv '~ '.?l:: T o rr$1:t, BBfo s 2 ~~;:oo:m~1!\Uf~B;;fttJtft:Mf~m7E~nt.:.1&, :lJlP.X: 21 ~ 9 JJ 3o 131~1:1, .::z.;f.A ::z~~Jtff:::iliiHt~-Jl~~ t~~~n -c:to VJ '.?l::To =. (l).::z._;:f.A :::z~~.a-:-~1~, tfH~(l) 6 f*1T~il\ l~.[~(l) 1-- ~ P'Yf*1¥~J .a:-tmP.X; L-, r!l< il~ G (!)~~:a:-~ ltm'i¥'t.til~ GP,- 13 '.?l:: -c:, !iffl.t.P Gr" C: =. (J)fi"$-a:-f~-'<' mlJ: L- -c ~ '.?l:: L- f.:.o i6 '.?l:: n, :flll~ttfi"$il~f!1W:a:-~ 1t .g =. C: t ib o (l)-c:l:t ttv 'il~ C: !G:'tA ~ n -c :to VJ '.?l:: To f(lt.:. f:JI'i, -t:-? L-t.:.wUlH~I&VJ;m]j., 4-i&t 1--~FY(J)f,lft$.-a:-•mL--c, mlJ:I~I&VJ;m!v-c:v' .::z.;f.A ::z ~~Jtff::iliif*~~¥-J(l)~ ~ .a:-~'.?l:: ;t t.:.J: -e' Ellt ft;f:;t;l;:£--:5~' $iW(J)+ :ljlpj(; 2 9 ~ 2 JJ I 7 13 Certificate of Consent "Oga no Namahage" is a ritual that is performed on New Year's Eve in almost all districts of Oga City. It is a ritual that is indispensable to ushering in the new year. The masks, costumes, and customs involved in the ritual are different in each district, and these traditions are transmitted from the elders to young men and women. Family members who live in separate houses return home for the ritual so the whole family can welcome the Namahage and usher in the new year. The Association for the Preservation of the Oga Namahage Ritual is working to safeguard and transmit this ritual and contribute to the promotion of our local traditional culture. The inscription of ''Raiho---shin" on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will instill pride in not only the people involved in the ritual but all the community members. I also feel that it will help transmit the element to future generations. Therefore, I give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho---shin" to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 23 February, 2017 President of the Association for the Preservation of the Oga Namahage Ritual (Office) c/o the Oga City Educational Committee 66-1 Izumidai, Aza, Funagawa, Funagawa Minato, Oga---shi Akita, JAPAN :k~ El t: JJ J! rtr (7) 11 tr~m. --c··--tr-t:n b n 6 r JJ J!(7) t-7 /, 7J tl, *'f L ",)f- ~ i£f. ~ 6 t: "i> t:j(h·-t.:::. t: (7) -e ~ ~ "'1t*--c··-t 0 oo~.R:it, L ~ t: ~ tlli1Jrg%-Jq:t:1t~h: ~ ~, J¥--k% h • e:, *;t-'"'"' t= ~ t t f.f! h: n --c ", 1 -t 0 ~ "< --c·· tl , t- 7"' 7· ~ :iff. .z 6 t: i>, ~ n --c 1.:t t: ~~ t ~ i ~' ~t:*'fLv')f-~iEf..Zi"t o JJ Jt(7) t-7 /, 71It-.ff-%tl, =- (7)n*G1>1-%1-f~* ~@ ~, ~_±.o:>1-z-f9tx1t~~~= tt~-9 6 t: "i>~tJ ~AA:tt--c}; ~ i-t 0 ~@, r*~#1t* J ~;:.::z..t ~ ':m h 7.> % ~ :Id; "i"J ' Jt.JJL (7) ~ "< ': t: -;;> ""( t * ~ t: "'? ~ h: ~ ' r J3 J! (7) -r 7 /' 7 J 1t • ~ ~ 201 7 )f- 2 ~ 23 El Certificate of Consent "Oga no Namahage" is a ritual that is performed at night on New Year's Eve in almost all districts of Oga City. ln this ritual, the Namahage become deities and visit houses in the community to admonish those who are lazy and to bring safety, good health, a good haul, and a bountiful harvest. This ritual has been handed down carefully in our community. The masks and costrnnes of the Namahage vary by district. The ritual has many different social functions. As a ritual to teach children to avoid what the community considers bad behavior, it allows children to feel they are part of the community and strengthens ties between the children and the community. The ritual also allows family membeiS to reaffirm the bonds that unite them, as heads of households "protect" family members from the Namahage. "Oga no Namahage" plays an important social role for the citizens of Oga City in Akita; it sustains the solidarity of the community. We will continue to do our best to provide the proper support to preserve and transmit the element I have fully understood the purposes of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the intangible Cultural Heritage, and give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of ''Raiho-shin. '' 23 February, 2017 Mayor ofOga City ~. !)r::L'~ 66-1 Izurnidai, Aza, Funal~ Funagawa Minato, Oga-shi, Akita, JAPAN -t (J) l3 1t t 1f h-, ~ r.f-::> 5 t 7! m, "1 I=~~~ b * -t· l.i *-&. -b" -T ? 1 , 7' n' ~ 1 1 *j~ t ~ b :: t I:: J: ) ~ t -P} t~ ~~ ~ -tt- b , t* ,q t: fJ! J iiD t t~ -? -c \ \ i -t o **- EB ~ !Jj !1f:. $ -c· (.i, :: (J) * t.;] t: :5( 1t i! ii -c· ,:b b f !JJ !1f:. (J) -T ? 1' J;>' J t , t13:t~ t MU~ -t b t= mI::* +JJ t: t (/) C:: ~ i., ~1~ t t@ +JJ t· Jt 1£ t ff" \, tl f~ Ef1/:: -f* tf, m_ Jj\_ (:: ~ (/)--( \ \ 5 f= \. \ t ~ i_ -( }) 1) i T o 2017.If 2~ 238 Certificate of Consent "Noto no Amamehagi" is an element of intangible cultural heritage that has been passed down in the Oku Noto region. In the ritual. which is performed from New Year' s to Setsubun (a day to celebrate the beginning of spring, held on February 3'd or 4'h), pairs or trios of people wearing masks called tengumen (goblin mask). sarumcn (monkey mask), onimen (ogre mask), otokomen (mask of a man' s face). or onnamcn (mask of a woman' s face) visit houses in the community and ward off misfortune. The Association for the Preservation of Noto Amamehagi Mensamanento was formed with a view to spreading knowledge of, safeguarding, and transmitting the Important Folk Cultural Property "i-Joto no Amamehagi" . This association has labored to achieve that goal. and will continue its efforts to transmit this element. As a representative of the association, I give my free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho- shin" to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural I Ieritage of I lumanity. 17 February, 201 7 Association for the Preservation of Noto Amamehagi Mensamanento 64. 1 Bu. Wajimazaki- machi, \Vajima- shi. Ishikawa. JAPAN Ylr. Yutaka Nakamura, President of the Association for The Preservation of Noto Amamehagi ivlensamanento r1ft 1t- C') -r < ; ' -.. ~ J 1.i -1!-1ft 1t- --c·· 1z-JR ~ .tt ---c ~ t~ ~ -Jt3 ::t 1tl! i. ---c·· -t 0 h .iE fJ lr G~r7tt:h,tt---c, 7d!iJoo ·~too· ~oo, h.;~.,,.i1Joo · -koot:"f-tJ.tt61~oo~ --::> tt t~ 3 A.1 t~ t.i 2 A..mh:, '8:. '< ~ w.tt, J.t~ ~ #t 1 t: ~., 7 1t:f ---c·· -t o 1ft1t-C') -r <; ""~ · ooillf-.iiJf ff-#%u, :t-t-~-Jt3 ~1~::t ftM r 1ft1t-C') -r <; "" ~J C'){,'f-t{1f-1f t:~$., ~lft:{fzt.~ El ~~:~trlX. ~ .tt, ~EJ 1 --c··f!:...tJ L "( 1 ~,, ~ 1 L t~ o -J{J., t~ I? LL ~1~ t ~ C') {z-~,tC') ~iR t:: ~ell:> ---c 1 1.' ~ 1 -t o --::> ~ 1 L ---c t.i, m ro 1J: t: ,~£: t:: ~-:::> ~ , • M" C') ttBJJ ~ ~ tt t~ J:. --c·· , r*M"#n• J C') ..:2. * A ::1 ~-Jf} ::t ftl!i.- ~it'"'- C') t;'(: it l: /6] ;t ~,' f: L 1 -t o -f-li\2 9-f 2 fJ 17 E) 1ft~ C') 7 <' ) -"' ~ • 00 illf- .iijf ff- ff% %-k 9='U :R; ~jbrp~Jb~lllJ1~64:$-Jt. Letter of Consent "Noto no Amamehagi" is a ritual that can be found throughout the region of Oku Noto. The ritual consists of people dressed up as Amamehagi, or Raiho-shin, and visit houses to ward off misfortune; these people also wear masks called tengumen (goblin mask), sarumen (monkey mask), onimen (ogre mask), otokomen (mask of a man's face), or onnamen (mask of a woman's face). We will continue supporting the traditions of this ritual, and continue supporting efforts to safeguard and promote the element in the city ofWajima and the town ofNoto. We are confident that the inscription of this ritual on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the nomination entitled "Raiho-shin" will contribute more than ever before to helping the world understand the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. We give our free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin" to the UNESCO Representative List oflntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 17 February, 2017 Mr. Fumiaki Kaji, Mr. Kazushige Mochiki, Mayor of Wajima City Mayor ofNoto Town 29 Aza, 2, Futatsuya·machi, Wajima·shi, 197-1 Aza,1, Ushitsushin, Aza, Noto·cho, Ishikawa, JAPAN Ho-sugun, Ishikawa, JAPAN :;t-.1 -t fK lflli~0)7? J /'':¥J ti, ~~~~;::.:S1fl't"0-*~1$o)n-*-c\ ::K~liJiii · 1liii · 5\t,iiD, JtJ0 ~ 'ti~ iiD • :tz:iiDtt ~-- ~ ll¥1i:h 0 f&rni :a---:> 't, 7? J /'\ :¥1;::.f';t L t=-Jv'-< n~*k ::r[1Jn, ~m ::r ;Fj( s 1-T*-c-r 0 ~.!&$ · ~~arn;::.:f3~ '""C t, ::tff*o){~~::r~ i'J, f:~~~, :v.ROO L -c~, < =~ (;:4-f& e: t~ SJ]tr~:fi::rff S fiJT1¥C'To ::tf-r•n' '*&M$1-T* J O)l} ~ ~ ~ L -c, 4-@J:t~~O)~%xfi::Jftii:O)f\:~-'i:~""O)~cf( n~ ~ n0 =~ n~i1t7E ~.nnti, ~%xfi::Jftii:O)f*~~~;::.M-r 0 OOWf-f11!~~0)fJ:Ei1!n;::., =n :t -r.lJ J:r;: ~Mke'~ 0 ~ 1it{~ L -c ;f3 i'J :t i-o 13 Ei3tt~Ji!H;::.£--=5~, *MO)~J~fl::rst,tt.:J:-z\ 1-*[1)1$1i*J OJ.::L;f.A ::Ij!~fff~Xfl::iftpff\: £<-1Jt1:(-"0)tJ!I:Jj i;::. ~~~ 'f:_ L :t i-o ~.!&$~ ~ )(~ ~~~~ ~* -~ --E n1 ~~~-m=)' ffi~ 2 * 2 9 -{lt±lli ::w J11 ~mt.J?U15~~~*fte~~ 1 * 1 9 7 -m=±lli 1 Certificate of Consent "Miyakojima no Paantou" is a ritual involving visiting deities that is performed to pray for certain things, like a bountiful harvest or the warding off of misfortune. It has been handed down as an important part of the community. Paantou are Raiho-shin, or visiting deities. A characteristic of the ritual is the use of masks. The elders, young men, women, and children of the community all take part. This ritual can be found in two locations ofMiyakojima City: Shimajiri and Nobaru. In Shimajiri, children gather vines for the costume of the Raiho-shin. The young men who dress up as the Raiho-shin visit houses and ward off misfortune. In Nobaru, the ritual centers around women and children, who walk through the village to pray for a bountiful harvest and to drive away insects. As the population is declining, we consider it important to preserve the ritual, and to tell the children of the communities why we transmit this traditional ritual. Therefore, we hereby give our free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin" to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 22 February, 2017 Shimajiri Self-governing Association Nobaru Association 26 Shimajiri, Aza, Hirara,Miyakojima-shi, 228 Nobaru, Aza, Ueno, Miyakojima-shi Okinawa, JAPAN Okinawa, JAPAN Mr. Tamotsu Miyara Mr. Shintoku Shimajiri President of the Shimajiri President of the N obaru Association Self-governing Association 9 rgr:!J ~0);\- / t-- r:J J ~:t, 15 <:0) Gf~t:> ~ *lliMifr*C', ~tLv), 'W:1:Ftfr DtitJ: c, :f:fu~~:::!{f;~~=~n ~ v 0) C:: G T ~~t~n~tl Tv) ~""to 1\-/ f-- r:7 ~:i* Wifff:lC::~tL &IID~mv)t.:.~wen~:M=~C', t1f!~O):li:<~, /rif !lfi1A, -T-Evt.:. 't n~~t:> ~1-T*C'--t o ;::O)~jjiEfj:, i5r:!J~ffjO)~}JL, !J!f})j{O) 2 -TFJlO):f:Jh~C'f-Tt:>tlTv)~9o •m~~C'~, ~Ev~~ffi*Wi~O)~~e:~~h~~~~~, *llit$~0) w1:Fn~*~< ~ @1 0 ~tkv) ~1-T v), mTJJiUfu~C'~:i, .9:rJLv) · ~1:Ftfim! ~1-T 5 t.:.~, !Ii A C:: ~ E 'b t.:. ~ n~~JiiEO) 9=T 1() C:: tJ: 0 ~¥41*1 ~~ 0 ~~ ~ 9 o 1>~f~n~imu:m1:E~= Cl5 '? --c, :tf!!~O)~ c v t.:. ~ ~= f~*1Ef-T~ ~~:~t7J:9 ~Jt~~ S;;t, ~/liB~~-:JTv)< ;::(::~:1, !E~tJ:;::C::C::~xT.S0~9o -:J~~GT~:i, § ffitJ:J!J.~J:::£--5'~, *MO)~~ ~~~tt-:. . 1:: C', '*Wiflflf-T~ J O):r.;t.A :::1 ~* X 1(j ' 1 jif~l{ i'EA..(l)~ ~=JPlJi G ~go ¥JiX:291f: 2~ 228 •m§fit~ ll!f JJiHtiHi ~ ltft~mg . 1,-mit l 1if ~~~m 2 6 Ml~,m~ '815 tJJ ttr _t!Rf~Jf })j{ 2 2 s !NJJJL {~~ !Rf JJJH.'mft~~:& 9 Letter of Consent "Miyakojima no Paantou'' has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The importance of transmitting this element to future generations is also heightened by the fact that it is related to the history ofMiyako Island. Paantou are Raiho-shin, visiting deities, and rituals involving them are transmitted in Shimajiri andNobaru. The Paantou ritual involves the use of masks. Similar festivals involving the use of masks can be found all over the world. We think that it is academically significant that peoples of different cultures use similar tools to perform sacred rituals. Miyako Island is a small island that is located in the Ryukyu Arc, which lies between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. Although the island is small, it has a long history as a thriving society where trade between mainland Japan, China, and Southeast Asia took place. Orally-transmitted stories and historical records show that the lives of those in Miyako Island evolved as they accepted different cultures or aided foreign ships that were stranded. The story of how the culture of the visiting deities came to be a part of the communities is a fascinating one that elders still tell to children. In order to keep this traditional ritual alive, the local government is providing subsidies to all relevant preservation associations and organizing projects to spread knowledge of the ritual. I am certain that promoting the transmission of a traditional culture that local community members can be proud of and informing those within Japan and overseas of this culture will lead to dialogue related to intangible cultural heritage on various levels. I feel that the inscription of this nomination to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a golden opportunity to further an mutual understanding between countries. Therefore, on behalf of the residents ofMiyakojima City, I give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of''Raiho-shin" to the UNESCO Representative List. 22 February, 2017 Mr. 'Ibshihiko Shimoji, Mayor ofMiyakojima City 186 Nishizato, Aza, Hirara, Miyakojima-shi, Okinawa, JAPAN 40 r-g-s j&(7),. , _ ::.- ~ ? J t.t oo (7) :t*-M;-11-J ~%::t1tJ!:ft:t~nt ~ n -c h ~, A&(7)&J: ~ :t% -t;;; J:..h· i-:> t, ;X.-J!t1\t:#!if:.. -t 6 t: l_h:{f!i> -c ~ ~' t: ~ K. -c h ~ 1 -to r,. , _:;_, ~ ?J t.t:ilt~ftlt ~n, A&'*1t:h~,-cA&»LJtt!Z.t:'fJ.f.:te.!Z.(7)2 ?-r!f-c·-~tt#!h: (t-c\,\1t"o r,. , _ ::.- ~ ? J t.t~oo ~ rn ', t= ff.te. -c··, -c tt i-:> ~oo ~ rn ~, t= '.f.~ t.ti!t ~~: ·*·!±. L.-c t ~ , ::t 1t(7) it 7 ~~ b:*i! -r 6 :i!J!. >i- Rrn L , ftl~ >i-n- 7 .:: t: t.t ~-wta-!J t: t ~ti-t 61i!fi-£t b: 6 J: 7 t: ~ ;__ 1 t" 0 -t-s A& t.t ± -f-5f- t *-- >·h~ (7) ~r.. H: ih 6 Jfrf.Jt~t :h\ -t 6 ·J, ~ ~·~A& -c·· ih ~ 1 -t b:, -c (7) &J: l.i-;!; ( , ;k{:o, -cf 00, *'-iW I :/ 7 t: (7) rf ~ h:.~ ~ Jt If i-;, n, ;'-1; it_t: XJa t:. f:: t±* >i-1f} ~ l.-c ''f::~%btB}j (;, /.7•(: >j: ""? ""( ~' 1-t o ~::t 1t ~ llA. ~ An, ih ;;; ~, t.H1--oo ,t;-(7) ilJtt ~ JIJJ tt ;;; >j: t:·, t.1tt: '€ 1v t::·:t h b: ih ""? t:: .:: t t.tfi;;if<., m: J:::t~h· i-:> tJthllA.;;; .:: t 1.1:--c· ~, *~;fo/(7) ::t 1tht;ftt1t•, tdr *-' t ~'*- ~ o· ~ jz_ -c;;; t (7)1)t;h ~ 1-t 0 .:: (7)fi;;t;ttr.J ~· rr* ~ ~ {> ~ ':J_· ~, '= 3h ': t , rra t L -c ~1*tl f:fl f.f." (7);ffljJIJJ ~ >j: t· (7) :t=tt {> t- ~;:Sfh ~· t• (7) llA.#Ji ~ ft ""? -c ;f.; ~ ' Jt.m. {i. ~ b tt} tt 6 fi; t;t ::t 1t (7) #! iR ~ ~ 11!. l ' 00 (7) ?;] >1--"'- Je--1"3 t" b .:: t: t.i, M;-1f} ::t 1t.ili. 'i- i! t; t::;ft -7 >j: v...... : Jl1 (7) :;tt"M; t:--? >j: 1.1:;;; t (7) t ~ 1"3 ~' t:: l1 -t 0 4'--@J~ '$ (7) .:1- ;f. A. :I M;-1!-} ::t 1t.ili. 1\i(.- IF{ t:ftj-j, ~ n 6 .:: t: ti, 00 ~J.!f.M-t: it~ -z:·· ~ 6 ;;<.. t: >j: ''-il* t: :t ;t -c ;f.;~ 1-t 0 "'? ~ 1 l. -c l.i, ~ tB ~· i;,~ t:~-1 ~, "f-f.j(7) ~X,B}j ~ ~tt f::J: -z:··, 4'--@} (7);tt'$ t: /G);!: I.' f:: l1 t" 0 -f-~29~ 2~ 228 -&-s~.P-k rJtt ~ffi' '&l!1A&Tti-f-t't~ll!1}[186i.Jlt Certificate of Consent On behalf of the members of the association for the Preservation of Yuza Amahage, I hereby give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin" to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We members of the Association are bearers of the Raiho-shin rituals performed during the Little New Year (about January 15 of the old calendar), including those involving the Raiho-shin known as Amahage. As such, we have practiced, safeguarded, and transmitted these rituals. The Little New Year rituals traditionally performed m Yuza are elements of cultural heritage that have been handed down through many generations, and have become an integral part of community life. The costumes that are worn and the acts performed during the ritual vary by region, and all members of the community are proud of the characteristics of their district's rituals. Children are also indispensable to the Little New Year rituals. The community members become involved in the rituals at a very early age. They continue to play active roles in the rituals into adulthood and beyond, and support the Little New Year rituals in Yuza of their own free will. As a representative of the Association, I will work to ensure the transmission of the element and its traditions. 23 February, 2017 Mr. Toru Takahashi President of the Association for the Preservation ofYuza Amahage (Office)c/o the Yuza Town Educational Committee 211 Maizuru, Aza, Yuza, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata, JAPAN ~ ftL (7) -r -z ,~ " .Y 1*. If% li, El m-lj: :t .!: 1= ~ --5 ~ , :;: lllf (7) tR. a,EJ ~ ~ 1t t:: _t --r·, r * tlJ :fill fT ~ J rJ) ::L ;3(... 7- -::I]!!!; 1b )( 11::. i! .4 f\ i!t- 'i. ~ "'- (7) 1~ ';t I :: ~ ;t L 1 -to ~-?~(tL(J)7-z,~-,..yf*tf%1i, 77,~,.y~ fi;lrht::, ?J,iEFI l:::fth.h.ibft~(7) ~ ~, -~* ~ t, m1l\. ~ t.ll -? --r ~ --r ;h 'J 1 -t 0 ~ ftL (7) ?1' iE Fl fT :;: Ii , -& ~ I::: h t:: -? -t 1i.- 7}( ~ .h -t ~ t:: :5c 11::. i! .4 -t· cl; 'J , 1i.- kiJt B9 t : fT ~ t L -t , :t~:l:3X.1.i ~ rJ) j:. ~;5 I:: ;fL{ ft 1.' -t ;h 1J 1 -to fT-* rJ) :tz ::!t "\':> i'JT1'F t: t ' li:t~:!:3X,(7)~t~ ~ ~ L -t ;h 'J, ~ q b~~ 'J t -t.; t (j)-t·-t o it::, ?J,iEF!ft-"¥1i, -J-t''b(J)~:IJa'bXb'-9:.tb~-t·~11t.{,o :t~kX.(7)1.i~ li, M)'' (7) tJi: h' ~ fT ~ 1: J!l: h.; ft ~h~? < , it.tf-1: t.·-? t:: 1~ t ;flt£ 891:: 1t;: 1:: 1 ~ :IJa L -c El ~ 89 I::~ fft rJ) + iE Fl fT;: ~ :R. :Z -t ~ -t ;h J 1 -to ~ 1~ t , 1i.- kiJt ~ 1 7c .;: I :: L t: h ~ ~ , ;f ~ I :: f~ t!t I :: m7}\. :: .h .ib J: i tff lrh -t ~ J 1 T o 5f!#.29.tf- 2FI 238 ~ fft (7) 7 -:? / ' .y 1*. {.f % %-&. ~ ;f,t ~ ~m~~~"~~~~~~•a21 1 ~~~ft•~~%~ Letter of Consent ''Yuza no Koshogatsu Gyoji" is an element of intangible cultural heritage that represents the town of Yuza. It has also given community members an opportunity to reaffirm the social bonds among the community, improve communication among members, and share traditions despite generational differences. The local government of Yuza has supported the complete transmission of all aspects of this traditional ritual by providing financial support and dispatching specialists or staff to help with the ritual. I will continue working to transmit our traditions in cooperation with the communities concerned. If the nomination entitled "Raiho-shin," which includes ''Yuza no Koshogatsu Gyoji," is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, it would increase awareness on the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and promote mutual understanding among communities worldwide. These are things that would give the people ofYuza great joy. On behalf of the people of Yuza, I hereby give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of this element to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 23 Februar~2017 Mr. Hiroki Tokita, Mayor ofYuza Town 211Maizuru, Aza, Yuza, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata, JAPAN r~{tO)'J'lE~ff*J l:t, )Qffti:l!tf~f-\;;*""tQ~%)(f~iliffi~lbQ ~ ~ t,:::, tit {-\;;~ ,:_ ;t -c-JA~~;tt~ L, ft!!f§XO)J!!!~ ~ **t}""J ~ ~~~, {±~~;: ~ 0 ""Ct±~f¥)f.( ~iJ~ ~ ~ J!@:T~ 0 iJ•~t ~ t f.(-:.> ""Cit '"~T o ~{tl!tf-z;l±, =. 0)1A~1'T~~7Xiit{-\;;I::JE L <**74k L -c 1t' ijZ.JJX: 2 9 if: 2 ~ 2 3 13 :!Hfti:IHT* ~Ea ~~ ~%~~~m~-ttl!tf~-Et*~n2II Certificate of Consent Concerning the Nomination Entitled "Raiho-suu! 1....:~" ''Yonekawa no Mizukaburi" is an Intangible Cultural Folk Property that has been handed down from generation to generation in our hometown. The ritual is performed in the district of Itsukamachi of Yonekawa. Itsukamachi is facing a shortage of bearers and practitioners because of a declining and aging local population. Our association, however, has adapted to these changes and allowed people living in areas outside Itsukamachi to participate in the ritual. In addition, we have encouraged people around 15 years old to participate in order to have a stable number of participants and sustain the ritual. The community members all have various roles in the performance of the ritual; age or gender is not an issue that divides them. The community members unite to prepare for their annual ritual. In performing the ritual, each one of theni is reminded that he or she is part of the community. Furthermore, because the ritual is transmitted from generation to generation, it facilitates and strengthens intergenerational dialogue, and in turn knits the community members together. The inscription of the nomination entitled ''Raiho·shin," which includes ''Yonekawa no Mizukaburi," onto the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will promote an international understanding of the importance of safeguarding the intangible cultural heritage of local people. It will also facilitate exchanges between communities in Japan that perform similar rituals, and between communities in foreign countries that perform similar rituals. I hereby give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of ''Raiho-shin" to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage ofHumanity. 21 February, 2017 61 Machi, Aza, Yonekawa, Thwa·cho, Thme·shi, Miyagi, JAPAN Association for the Preservation ofYonekawa no Mizukaburi Mr. Junichi Sugawara, President r*-'ll cn7](.h·.~~ ~ J t:.L *t.t:. ~ cn.s • .; ~ t -e-&: <1i\ t 0 n -c ~ t:.~:ff3 ~%-~1.tM-c··-t 0 f *-''1 c7)7j(.h·.S~ ~ J ,;:{t hn -c "'.; ~?ilrp !.fallrJ Jtl)lj cn 1i. El llrJ~Il{ t.i, A. o~tl.~ ~ j'-=f1t l:f.f.'-', ~"'-tcnA..o,;:5~j' l-e~ -c jS ~ 1-to:, 1f-ff-*t: l-et Bt1~cn~ ~ t..t:> ~ I:Jtt~ l-e, ~gpgt:,%1.il't'-'1j:"'Ji..ElllrJ~;#!;;tt~hP-c··~.;.::. t: t: l, 1t:. 15 Ji~;iVJitcn~"' 1!!"1~cn~hPt1Jti!-t.;.::. t: ""("_ ~hP;t-f{ ~~f,f-l, {t.cnMt#t:~cV:>-c :s ~ 1-t0 rr:f~% ~-t.; t: cb t:.-:> --c t.i, ;;t*~* ~ ra, hf~~ 1~~~ ~!!!-:> -c "\ 1-t o~1i.~ot.-:k_.t: lj:-:> -c' -4'-1:: -Ltcn tr* ~ ~1• l , rJJ tlf. -t .; .::. t ':: J: -:> -c , 1i "< cn ~g ~ tJ:, ~ :1 ~ ;l. .::. -r 1 cn Jt-c·· cb.; .::. t ~.&m~ l-e", 1-t0 ~ 0 t:, i!t~h- 01!!"~~ t ~ttn£,;:tt,.;rr•-c··cb.;.::. t h· 0, i!t~Pa1 cn 3t.~tt.o:5* 1 ~ , ~ n I:: J: -:> -c ~cn#-,;: J: ~ ,~ 1§11j: t cn t: ij:-:> -c "' 1 -to .::. cnJt, '*-'ll cn7](.h·.~~ ~ J ,;:. r~#tr•J cn.::z.;f -A :1 ~1f3~1tlt&~::k-l::k~~* ~ n :ttt.i\ ~1i. ~cn ~1f3 :t1tlt& cnf,f-;tt 1:: M!-t .; 00 ~ cn-(;ti! 1:: ij: .; t: t: t 1:, 00 '*3 cn ~ 1¥J.-t .;{t.tJ: t t: J: ~, i!!"U:h!!.l:: cb .;~1¥J.ff• t: cn 001!. ~~t t:. 7o-F\Jv ij: ~}Al. I::-:> ij: ,;:.; t c7) t:;~~"' 1-t 0 .::z.;f A :J ~:Jfj;t{tlt£cn~~ ~-f-511'§-1 t t:._t. -c.-_ ffl 1!1 1j:;f;;tl::~...-; ~, .RtrcnttaA ~~ tt t:._t. -c··, l~#ft•J cn.::z.;f A :1 ~1f3:t1tlt&1~::k-l::k~cn~$t:~;t l1-t o f-~29-4'- 2.f321El -g kit!f- ~*-rp !.fallrJ *-' lj ~llrJ 61 *-'IJ c7)7j(.h·.S~ ~ 1f-ff-* ll 't !!f. i'f. - Letter of Consent on the Nomination of "Raiho-shin'' ''Yonekawa no Mizukaburi'' has long been passed down in Itsukamachi ofYonekawa as a ritual to protect the comm.writy from fires. The ritual is performed on Hatsuuma no Hi (the first Day of the Horse) in February. Oral tradition has it that the ritual was already being performed in the middle of the Edo Period (1603·1868). It is truly an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property that represents 'lbme City. Preparations for the ritual begin several months prior to the performance. Citizens take part in numerous intensive meetings and help prepare. On the day the ritual is performed, the citizens complete their respective tasks and welcome the many visitors with open arms so that the visitors can remember ''Yonekawa no Mizukaburi'' fondly. Through the performance of this annual ritual, the citizens can feel that they are members of the comm.writy. The intergenerational exchanges that take place throughout the ritual also strengthen the ties that unite the community. ''Yonekawa no Mizukaburi'' has been handed down steadily among the citizens. In order to transmit the ritual to our descendants, 'Ibme City has provided financial support and other assistance. The city will continue to work closely with members of preservation associations and citizens to share information and work actively to safeguard and transmit the element. If ''Yonekawa no Mizukaburi'' is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as part of the nomination entitled "Raiho·shin," it will promote an understanding of the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage throughout the world, and lead to global exchanges with comm.writies around the world that perform similar rituals. On behalf of the people of 'lbme City, I give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of ''Raiho·shin'' to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 22 February, 2017 2-6-1 Nakae,Aza, Sanuma, Hasama-cho, 'Ibme·shi, Miyagi, JAPAN Mayor of'Ibme City Mr. Takahisa Fuse I*J 110)7J .IjZJJ.X; 2 91¥- 2 A 2 2 13 ~~~m-~mr~m*~~~T§6~1 Certificate of Consent Concerning the Nomination Entitled "Raiho-shin" I hereby give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination entitled "Raiho-shin" to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as a representative of the Association for the Preservation of Kasedori. "Mishima no Kasedori" is a ritual in which two young men dress up as male and female kasedori (divine birds) and visit houses every year on a night in the middle of February. They are said to bring luck in the new year. The ritual was originally performed by the youths of the community. But because the number of young people has been decreasing, we have created the Association for the Preservation of Kasedori so that local citizens can help sustain the festival. The Kasedori ritual gives us an occasion to pray for great happiness; it also allows us to give thanks for good health and protection from disasters. For many years to come, the Association will transmit from parent to child and from child to grandchild this element that began approximately 380 years ago. The inscription of "Raiho-shin" on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will bring great pride to those involved in the ritual, and the citizens of Saga City. It will also strengthen the community members' love for their hometown. 24th February, 2017 Association for the Preservation of Kasedori President Mr. Takanobu Muto 683 Mishima, Hasuike-machi. Saga-shi, Saga, JAPAN ~ltk~11 ., . § El3 tt~.~- 1::£----5~' $MO)~~)~J1 :a:-~'tt;:J:~:t'\ '*~}Jt$1-T$ J O).::z.* A ::I 1!W %XH~ii~1-\:~-Yi*~(J)re~m:~~~~~v 'f;: l ~To I ~~0) ft '1? F !J J 1t$1'J:, W:¥- 2 ~ n\$Blt(J) :tJ '1? F ~ '::t,J l *.q 1.:. ~r lA' 1¥0) lfiJ :a:- t f;: G-t't 0)""(' , w1¥ 2 Y1 O)cp1U(J)~I::1t:btv~ T o **- ±fu!KO)~::ffn~cJ:IJL'~tt0l"{t€2:h01-T~-rlt:. o L-n 1 l-, :¥-"<:tr1fn' i11it1-" l -c ~ f;:.::. ~ nl G, fJJO~.I1~M~tr:~ J :a:-~JJX: L, :iih!K f±B: :a:-lb,f--c1t=$(J) 11= m~~ Q:. ~ ~ L- ~ l f;:o :tJ t F v1-T$ c ~'i, f.lJ;: -t 1:: ~ 0 -c, ~~$$n)~'L ~ 0) ftfi ~ J -r 60 0 c ~ t ~~, :.n~ ""('O)~(vj,\~P~~O) r~~t J -e-t 600 ~ ,!~,0 --cv '~T o fLt;: t.J I'J:*-~ 380 1¥Mnl G{~b-'0.::. (J)r~t$ )C{t:a:-, mtP G-1-~, -Tn ~ Gf*~ C: *7k <*'** l --c ~ v' VJ ~T o ~@J, r*~*'fi* J n'.::z. *A ::::1 1!W%J.cftJft~f-\:~-i!Ji*'::~clll!t ~ h{):. c 1.:. ttnli1t$1::#'5:b{)-i!f:a-~:t t:~ e: L- --c, ~~ rh~l:: c 0 -c t k~~ VJ I:: it 0 t (J)c}~,v'~To .:r- L--c-t-hil'WP±~O).~,v':a--JI5!i< T0t(J)I:::.t.t0 C:.~-v'~ T o 2017:¥- 2J'1 24R Letter of Consent on the Nomination of "Raiho-shin" "Mishima no Kasedori" is a ritual that began about 380 years ago, when a plague swept through the area. Tradition has it that the ritual began when Nabeshima Naozumi, the lord of Hasunoike Domain, a sub-domain of the Saga Domain, erected Kumano Shrine to pray for the ill to recover. In Saga Prefecture, this ritual has been handed down in Mishima, Hasuike·machi. It is performed annually at night in the middle of February, and a pair of Kasedori (Raiho-shin dressed up as divine birds) visit houses and deliver good fortune in the new year. To transmit the history and culture of Saga City to future generations, the city has formulated the Basic Plan for the Promotion of Culture and is now strengthening efforts to safeguard Intangible Folk Cultural Properties such as "Mishima no Kasedori". The city would also like to continue working with local stakeholders and actively support their safeguarding and transmission efforts. The inscription of rituals from all over Japan involving visiting deities, including "Mishima no Kasedori'', on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity will encourage many people to become interested in the history and culture of Saga Prefecture. It will also lead to various exchanges with communities in other regions. I have fully understood the purposes of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and, on behalf of the citizens of Saga City, I hereby give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho·shin" to the Representative List. 24th February, 2017 Mayor of Saga City Mr. Toshiyuki Hideshima 1·1 Sakae·machi. Saga·shi. Saga, JAPAN .. rJi!,~(J) ;iJ t F !J J 1r-lH'i, 4-iJ:\ t_)~;] 380 ipM£ffrto\?nf1'f l t.: tfi< f:- 0) "¥jlt :a:- !m "? -r 1£ ~ )1¥1!1 x 71 ± (J) ~ ~ r~:t!! iJ'\ fi~ !llft$ t± :a:-~ .lr l t.: =. C: ':: ~int 0 C: {~ ;t Gn -rv '~To :. (J)1'f~{'if£~ ~ 'C' ~'i, ~i1!LIRT ~~ 1:: {~~ ~ h '"( v 'i5 t (J) 'C', ~ip 2 Jl 9=' ::· 6 (J)~, 1J t p· !J -1'fiJl;~u~ :a:- Jm! ~m l V \ip(J) ffjJ 1:- JEiHt ~T o 1£~$--c'l'i, ~~ · )Cf~i"~"titl::{~;t 0 t.:tb l)l:fl::lli~£~WtOOiJ 1:-JfUE l, 7J t F !J i" 1-J: CID C: -t i5 ~% BH~ X 1t.M (J)f*~i 1:: t 1J i" An-c v' i5 C: :. 6 -c· ::· ~-v '*To 4-1~ C: t :ti!!JC C: :i!lH~ i" ~ ~ f.tiJ~ G, ,f. tit¥!~:: f*=ff:if;lib~~(J)~~:t~ i"~~ mT oPJTff'C'To _:_ O)f:_ T} f .W,~(J) 1J t F!} J ~"2;t.J>~:J.:ill(J) l*~t$1'f$ J 1.J\, .::r..;f-. :A ::I~~ Jt1~i!iflH::1!~ ~ nhr:f', $ <(J) Aillf~~(J)tr;t:s!: · X{U:: ~{,,i-f¥'1?, fth:tl!!~ C: .::r..-* 7- ::I (J)~jfjJtf~JI:ji:(J),@ \§' ~JE;J'I::~~ ;{_ t;: ') ;t -c·, 0 aJ f,t~;=.!,q:.£---5 ~, :$M0)+5J'f.tt1;~(J)-r, f~~ $~~1-t* l-c!Pl.t: v'f.: l ~T o 2017ip 2Ji 24!3 Letter of Consent "Yoshihama no Suneka" is a Raiho-shin ritual performed once a year on the night of 15 January, which is the Little New Year. The ritual is performed as part of a prayer for the healthy growth of children, a bountiful harvest, and a good catch. The Suneka is a figure that looks like both an ogre and a beast. When Suneka visits houses, family members soothe terrified children by smiling at them and embracing them. Local children may misbehave from time to time. But when they are told that Suneka may come and snatch them, they are on their best behavior for a while. The Suneka ritual is a custom that has come to be cherished by the local people as part of their culture. Men who live in the community dress as Suneka. Since 1995, when the Association for the Preservation of Y oshihama Suneka was established, the community has worked with the Association to safeguard this ritual in an organized manner. In recent years, middle-school children have begun dressing up as Suneka and visiting houses as part of an effort to train successors; elementary-school children have also begun performing a children's version of the Suneka ritual. "Yoshihama no Suneka" is a symbol of the fortitude of the local people who live in an unforgiving natural environment as they struggle to survive natural disasters. The people of Y oshihama learned from the tsunamis of the Meiji and Showa eras and moved their homes to higher ground. During the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011, this helped, and Yoshihama was able to avoid serious damage. Things like this make us feel that the Suneka are envoys sent to teach us to respect Nature. We are determined to continue safeguarding the customs of the traditional Suneka ritual and transmitting them to future generations. The Association for the Preservation of Y oshihama Suneka gives its free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of the element to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 17 February, 2017 Mr. Hisayoshi Kashiwazaki, President Association for the Preservation of Y oshihama Suneka 93-1 Aza-Ueno, Yoshihama, Sanriku-cho, Ofunato-shi, Iwate, JAPAN -g*c1)A;f;/Jti, if-t:1Jtt:tt, 1}115 E)c1) 1 J'iEJ1c1)-?tt:, -=f~~tcry ~v 7]~ 1j: $;.-k ~ li..ft.tit · :t 5~. ~A"? --c IT h :n b *-M"#'IT:f: -c·· -r 0 .>t!. ~ t R~ t--::>b·~~t!:~~c1)A;f;/Jb:~l< ~*-M"i"b ~, JSrfi.. '"C).Q: < -=f~~ ~ b:_~~h. ~ b: ~ ~ ~ h• h· i.. 1 -to ~~c1) -1-#htti, ~~ ~ L --c t, ~~ t: r A ;f. ;IJ b: ~ ~ " ' t: *- b f:~ J ~ 1f' ~ h b ~ , f: c1) {~ L tJ ~ < ti -#: @. t: ~ f) 1 i" o A ;f 1J ti 1 ~ l { ;t1-t ~ l '{ ~~ t: .t-5 "' ' !:. Jffl... ~ -c·· .:h f) i i" o A ;f. ;IJ & ~ ~tJ 6 c1) ti~IK ~ c1) 13 t:i -c·· .:h f) , 13 t:i !:. t b: *-M":W t:{J} L -c IT$ ~ ~ i.. '"C ~f) 1 L t:. o -f-$;. 7 if- t: ti -g* A :i'-. ;1J 171-ff-* ~ -t~.ft. L, ~~ ~ ~ tf --c jJI.~W-J ~ if-ff- ~fh ': lR f) jJI.Iv -c·· \,\ 1 -t 0 iliif- ti' 1~~;:t t" $;. c1) !:. tJ t: 4' ¥:!. t A ::f. n t:tJt L --c ~~< ~@] 0 , ~J,¥1:. t: J:: ; r:r ~~ t A ;t.. n J t IT h h b J:: 1 t: ~ ~ 1 L t:. o -g * c1) A ;f ;IJ t: ti , lfu ~ Q) ~i. fH.. c1) tf ~ :£ ~ it " ' '"C ~ t:. ~~ c1) A. I< c1) lfu ?,!\ ~ ~ t:7t-t b ~~tt i.. b: j..,ft. ~ h --c "'' 1 -to -g*~IK -c·· ti, !3J15f7, Bg;foc1) 5f 5~c1) ;ft$1J b~ ~ ~ ~{$fi- b:i!tJ ~ ;h,, 4--@J c1) k~ ~ -c·· ti :k ~ ~-;f,t~ ~ iQ.tt b .:: ~ b: -c·· ~ 1 L t:. o .:: c1) J:: 1 ~· $ h • ~ t , A ;f. ;IJ ti , lfu .~:fr. h ~ ~ c1) ~;t ~ L --c , lfu ~ t: 7t -t 6 -Vl.Jit cry ;t ~ ~ i.. 6 :{:? {± -c·· .:h "? t:. c1) t: ~ ?k tJ --c 1/!t t_; -c t:; ~ 1-t 0 fJ.. t:. ~ ti, 4'--1~ t A ;f. ;IJ c1) ~ #C.W-] ~· .:h ~ -}j ~ ~ ~ , IX1.1(." ~ iR L '"C ~.; *;f;"'(•',:h ~ 1i"o -g*A;f/Jf,f-{j~t,i, lfu ~c1)lfu\f/~;f;.~t:~--:J~, .Jltr cry ~ta;1 ~ ~ tt t:. J::.. -c··, .:2 ;f. A -:J ~-Jfj X 1-t:ili.1.1(.~- 'ft:k" c1) V!* t: fiiJ f; "' t:. L 1 -to -f-$;. 29 if- 2 J1 17 E) -g*A;f/Jf.f-ff-~ kkJ-i,t IF 3.-FialJ-g*~ ...t.Jf 93-1 Certificate of Consent on the Nomination Titled "Raiho-shin" "Yoshihama no Suneka" is a Raiho-shin ritual that has long been handed down among the people ofYoshihama, which faces the bountiful waters off the Sanriku Coast. Every year, on the night of the Little New Year (celebrated on Janaury 15 in this region), strangely-dressed Suneka come and admonish people who have been lazy. They may inspire terror in young children. However, on the other hand, the Suneka ritual is an irreplaceable cultural heritage of the local community as it represents well the cultural and natural environment of this area. The Suneka, wearing abalone shells that dangle from their waists, snort like beasts as they walk half-crouched. This distinctive appearance and behaviour has been handed down through the generations despite crises such as WWII and numerous tsunamis that have swept the Sanriku Coast. The charm of the Suneka ritual lies in two things: the universality of Raiho-shin rituals that are deeply connected to people's spiritual development and respect for nature, and the fact it embodies the distinctive culture of the region. Ofunato City has respected the ritual's traditions and worked with the local community to provide support in order to nurture the precious heritage that brings pride to the community. If the nomination titled "Raiho-shin" is inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the current bearers will no doubt feel more proud of their element and work harder on safeguarding and transmission efforts. The inscription would also make known to those in Japan and overseas the spirit of the people of this region who have preserved and transmitted the traditions, and contribute to the mutual understanding across national borders. On behalf of the residents of Ofunato City, I would therefore like to express my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin" to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 17 February, 2017 Mr. Kimiaki Toda, Mayor ofOfimato City 15 Aza-Utsunosawa, Sakari-cho, O:funato-shi, Iwate, JAPAN r-a~OJ.A;f.:JJ J l:t, ~zpf~-=.~OJ#iH;:~tf::kR'J:ii!lrtr::::~IHTa~!t!!!KI.:, ~*il~~ {r,. ;;t ~ tL -c ~ tc.*Vi1*ff*-e-t 0 ~if.,J ... JE.fl OJ~J;:lJ.n, ~~~~.m~-e~~t~ .a:-Jt~G~ 0 .A;:f .7J l:t, Y;hv '-=f ?!.' t tc. 1? 1.: ~ 0 -c f'j: ~fffl 0) ~*-e-t il'' !t!!~ 0) 13 ~ ~ )( 1~ .a:~ M-t .Q iJ ~ lt il' ;;t 0) ~~V \)( 11::ll~ -e tc!b ~~-to J!fH;:7? 1::''0)~-a:-rlf, ~O)J: 51.:•-a:-~1&~ L-f~il~~. crJJI-e:W-< .A;:f .:JJO)~~O)••~m~~-•~•~~~<-=-~~•.a:D0~*••~-~0)*•.a:~ C ~ ~ -t .:5 $- < OJm~ :a-* ~ ~ ;;t, -tlt1-til~ ~ -tlt{-lt-"'- ~ ~ lt~il~tL -c ~ ~ L- tc.o ra~OJ.A;f.:JJ J l:t, !t!!~~:ffOJ)(1l:::a:-1*1J. L- -cv'-0 ~ v' 5 ~~ ~, 13 ~-"'-OJ:N:~ ~ AOJ~l.·OJ/JX~ ~ ~ < ~V"':)v 'tc.*tfjt$ff*il~~"':)it:i!i!!'liil'~.1J-ec!b ~~-to ::ktJi!l m-e~,{r,.•:a:-•mL"':)"':), :ttB~~~~-1*~~0-c~m.a:-~•L- • .A;fn:a:-a.o~ ~!t!!~OJ3!:~ L""(~/v-z;~~ l-fC.o r*W1*ff$ J i0~1!W~)( 1~ll:~1-t~- •~ f;: &it~ :n tc. ~ f;: f:t, mv '-=F ~ !t!!~i0' /IOJH ~ .a:-~0 -crr•O)*~ ~ ~?JI.:I& ~mu~ ~ t f;:, :. O)~•:a:-~ ~ ~*- -c ~ tc. iffi~O) A.~< OJf!ltEf:ltti0;;1A < P-Jj!..f;:J.!M ~ :n, oom.a:~*- tc.:ScmEf;:~~-t .o:. ~ ;ry;;-z;~ .Q'bO)~~;;t~""to "':)~ ~ L -c l:t, 13 ~ f~;@':.~,f;:£---5~, lJ:MOJ~~ :a:-~lttc.J: -e, ::ktJ?JlnH~::a:-{-t~ L- -c '*WtEf:lff$ J OJ1!W~)({[::)I~{-lt~-J[~r-,O)~~~;:[I:IJ;f:v 'fc. V* ""to Certificate of Consent Satsurna-ioujima no Mendon (The Association for the Preservation of Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Dancing) gives its free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin" to the UNESCO Representative List of intangible cultural heritage. "Satsurna-ioujima no Mendon" are masked deities who appear in Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Odori, the dance with llassaku drums performed in Ioujima, which has been transmitted from long ago in Mishima Village, Ioujima. This dance is a stirring festival in which 10 boys shout, beat on drums, and dance in a circle around Kaneta-taddon who sing while sounding gongs. Mendon wander about the grounds while the ritual is being held. They tap people with wooden sticks called subben-boku that they hold in their hands to drive away evil. The wood used for this stick is considered sacred in the island. Mendon are embodiments of deities that inspire dread and awe in people because of their outlandish outfits and large physical forms. The young boys of this island participate in the festival as dancers when they reach middle school. For them, participating with adults as dancers is something to be proud of; it is proof that they have been accepted as men. The masks that Mendon wear are offered to the shrine by boys in the second year of middle school, who would in old times have undergone genpuku (an old Japanese coming-of-age ceremony). The Mendon masks that have been offered are repaired every year and handed down to future generations. This festival has been carefully transmitted for long by the Association for the Preservation of Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Dancing and the Organization for the Ioujima Area that is comprised of all the residents of the island of Iouj ima. [n order to make it known that Ioujima, which has a population of merely 124, is an irreplaceable island and to pray for the good health of local residents, the Association for the Preservation of Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Dancing will continue to work to transmit the element with the entire community for many years to come. 27 February, 2017 Association for the Preservation of Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Dancing Ioujima, Mishima Village, Kagoshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, JAPAN Mr. Takashi Yasunaga, President rifiJ¥MEJii~O) ;( / ~, / J 1-;t, !3 Ei3 t~~;tl::~-j'~, ~WJO)~aA ~~ rtt::...t -e, r* ~flJ!f:r~ J O).::J..;t..A. :::1 ~ff~xft;JA~f-t~-~"'O)m~I=IEJ~ L *9 0 rjiji]¥Mf]ii~O);( / ~' /J 1-;t, =~HMflii~-e~< iJ'G{z;;J}X~t'V"CL'~ rMt]ii~J\'9'1~ ::tam LJ J t=~~9 ~t&ooflJI-e9 0 rMtlii~J\'9'1~::tnlmi LJ J t-;t, nJ! ~~L '~iJ{ Gtif ~r~n < r :n *?z 51 ·;; ~, / J O)m.J LJ ~, tJ'Itf6 ~~ t.., t~fJ{ G::tn ~r~n < 1 o :g 0) ~.:rtJ{tRftt:: t~ ":) -c lmi ~ ~ * L L'~ LJ -e 9 0 ;( / F / t-;t, ~ LJ 0) !m ifM r~a9 $±m~ ~AJ ~ ~~f@l L, -¥ r:: 1~ ":) t::, ~-el-;tflJI;t;:: c L Tt&tJnA- ·;;"" /* c JP¥1in~*O)tt-eu~ G ~r~n ~ JJ«~ijij):l, '*9 0 ;( / ~, /1-;t, -fO)~~t~ tfj -e 'ii.. ~ ~j;:: ~ t~fi.t;;-:> ~ iJ' G:m: #nO)~ ~~iJ'i:t ~f$0)fl:;~""t9 o :: O)~O)~-TI-;t$~~1=t~ ~ c lmi LJ .:r c L -c~ LJ 1::~1.10 L *9 0 .:r £ t t:: ~ 1:: c ":) -c lmi LJ .:r c L -cj;::.A. c -~~=~ LJ 1::~1.Jo9 ~:: e: t-;t, 'il.)mt~~ c L -cMl~ Gnt::ID£--r cv., LJ c"Ct~G lL'tO)""t9o "*-f::;( / ~' /fJ{f,&:~ool-;t, ~""(~ ?:n:;H&I::CV.,t::~$~2~1:. 0) ~.:rtJ{~~ L *-9 o ~~ ~ nt:: ;( / ~- /1-;t&~fRi~~ n~&t!!t::titJ{n -cL'~ *-9 0 :: 0)~ LJ t-;t, :&~l::tJt:: LJ rMfJii~J\'9'1~::tnlmi LJ 1*:ff~J e: MEJii~O)~-c O)fi~--rR>Jl ~9 ~ rMtlii~±i!!~ ~ J e: -e j;::t;JJ l::{ii:J}X L -c *L' LJ * l t:: 0 rMtJit~J\'9'1~::tnlmi LJf*:ff:ftJ c L -c 1-;t, .A.[] tJ9iJ' 1 2 4 :g O)MfJit~fJ{fOJ~I= t 1~ 5tHL '~-e cv.,~;:: e: ~~f~ L, tm~fi~O)~m.~~ ~*fi~9 ~ t::~l=, ::nfJ' G t ±m~ tt~-f*c~~-c*~ 2017~2Fl278 Mf]ii~J\'9'1~:;tfitlmi LJ f*:ff~ Jm~~W-~HMtlii~ :ft:& ~~ ~ J Letter of Consent "Satsuma-ioujima no Mendon" are masked deities who appear in the Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Odori (Hassaku-taiko drum dancing in Ioujima) that is held in Mishima Village of Ioujima on August 1 and 2 of the old Japanese calendar. This ritual is said to have begun about 400 years ago. For many years, the Association for the Preservation ofHassaku-taiko Dancing in Ioujima and the Organization for the Ioujima Area have been central in performing the ritual, and the entire community has supported them. "Ioujima Hassaku-taiko Odori" is necessary for the fewer than 130 people who live on Ioujima, and the Mendon that are necessary for the dance are important figures that drive evil away from the community residents using branches from sacred trees that they hold in their hands and that liven up the ritual. For the people who participate, the two days of the ritual are the most thrilling days of the year. The inscription of this ritual on the UNESCO Representative List of intangible cultural heritage will cast a spotlight on Mishima Village, which has fewer than 400 residents and which is an isolated island surrounded by sea that only has a boat to and from mainland Japan four times a week. This focus on the village will undoubtedly tell the world of Mishima Village's existence and lead to pride for the islanders. The administration in Mishima Village will continue to provide various support and have the whole community engage as one so that this ritual that is a treasure of the region can be passed on to future generations without interruptions. Therefore, I give my free, prior and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho-shin" that includes the Satsuma-ioujima no Mendon ritual to the UNESCO Representative List of intangible cultural heritage as a Raiho-shin ritual. 23 February, 2017 12-18 Meizan-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, JAPAN Mr. Tatsuo Ooyama, Mayor of Mishima Village 2o r~Jft~jit~O) ;£ / ~- / J rJ:, 18~0) a Fl 1 Be: 2 B r::- ~H~jit~""(~nili ~n~ r~ jit~J\~,ij:t:fttlmi LJ J r=~~9 ~i&m:ifi!l""(9 0 :: O)fr$rJ:*~ 4 o o £FMr::~fj*-:) t::. e: ~n .. ~£FI::;bt::. LJ, r~jit~J\~_ij:;t:fttjijj LJ {:*t=f~J C r~jit~iii!I&~J iJ{I:j:llC,' c f,J. "J "'C1i$ ~1ft,,, -fn~tlh~~i*""(:Ji:;t -c 2- * L t::.o r~jit~J\~,ij:t:fttlmi LJ J rJ:.AD 1 3 o!fJ~i;fO)~jit8~d=c "J"'CXiJ'-ttt.J.l,'tO)""(iYJ LJ , ;:: 0) 11"$ r:: ~ <-c rJ:t.J. i; t.J.l,' ;£ / ~- / rJ:, -¥ r::M:-:) t::. fiil*O)'J'*.t ""(tlh~fi.IXO) Lfi ~ imt, \, ;:: 0)11"$ ~!Ji LJ ...t If ~~~~f¥1£""(, *;J]D9 ~~1:: c "'J "'C 11"$m]f(l:j:l{j:-£F ""(1& t lL'~~= B ra9 c f,J. L) *9 0 ~@J .. ..:L.t-.A ::J 1mtt~xitli~i-l:~-Jl"'~~ ~ n~:: e: r:: J::-:) -c, .AD 4 o o .A.fi i; -(0), ~1:: 4@] L iJ'*± c O)f1=*0)1m l, '91-;&itft~O).=.~t;fiJ{j;:: 2- LJ "*ithlo =~t;f C: L -c IJ:, tlh~O):i:""( &> ~;:: O)fi$iJ{~tJ:ln~;:: C: ~ <.. ~~titi::~ I 2-KfiJ{tl,~ J:: ? ' 11"if& C: L -c ~l.z f.J.:Ji:ti ~1fl, \f.J_ iJ{ i; .. tlh~ c -1* C: ~-:) "'("~~~ t Jf~ LJ *llhl ""(* LJ *9o -:J 2- * L "'C 1;1:, § El3 f.J.~J~U::£""5 2-, $WJO)~B~ ~ ~ ltt::....t ""(.. r~jft~jit~O) ;£ / ~- / J ~ r=*ID1fiil11"$J C: L -c ..:L;t...A ::J 1mtf~Xfl::.jl~fl:~-Jl~l:::t!f~9 ~;:: c r::liiJ~ L*9o 20171:F2Fl23B Letter of Consent The Akusekijima no Boze ritual that is performed at the end of the Bon festival dancing in Akusekijima on July 16 of the old Japanese calendar is a ritual vital to closing the Bon festival rituals. The outfits of the masked deities called Boze th<:~.t appear during the ritual are made by the preservation association through traditional methods. The Boze that appear hold phallus-shaped poles and chase women and children to drive away evil and pray for the prosperity of the people's descendants. These customs have been handed down without interruptions from the elders to the young people. The Association for the Preservation of Bon Festival dances in Akusekijima carries out the safeguarding and transmitting of this ritual, and continues to work to contribute to the promotion of the traditional culture of the community. If this ritual is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List for intangible cultural heritage, it will bring much pride to those involved in the ritual and the people of the community. It will also help pass the ritual on to the future. Therefore, I give my free, prior, and informed consent to the nomination of "Raiho·shin'' that includes the Akusekijima no Boze ritual to the UNESCO Representative List for intangible cultural heritage. 21 February,2017 The Association for the Preservation of Bon Festival dances in Akusekijima President 15 Akusekijima, Toshima Village, Kagoshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, JAP&'\1 •v:l)~ Cl) 7 ~ 16 8 Cl) r .~ z J; Cl) 1: ~RI IJ J Cl) -lk a ·( ~ ~ -t ~ r .~ z .s; Cl) ¥ ·ti' J t.:t , 1: lt * Cl) +. J 1 ~ ~ -t ~ tc. ~ e:... 7.. 1;" -t .:: ~ Cl) -( ~ .I'd= '"' lt * "'( -t 0 1h. il ~· ¥ -e· Cl) ffl ~ ~j' ~-l-1*'4~ -( 1 1i.it Cl) 1f. ) :5- "'( .:: l s i *-t 0 ~ .tl tc. ¥ -e· ~j' ~~ Jt ~ ifi. '"' , q. Jt, f: '* ~ $: --:> -r , 7 7 #- ~ # --:> -r "* ~~t ~ q. t" t tc. ~ ~ i! '"' I;" tt *-t 0 .:: .t l s 'j ' .;:.. ~ :1 I;" s ~ :1 """' .it i' ~ ~ tt ii ~ { .t l '"f'-'*To 1 1 .~z .$; Cl) -i:~RJ ) 1*4~ ~l, ,:: Cl) lt *Cl) 1*41i.iJ<. ~I~ ) , 1 #!i.±. C1) 1i.it.:t 1t#.ft e:... ~ -5- -t ~ tc. ~ C1) ~ fJ ~ ift: tt -r t; J t To 4 EJ , r .~ z .s; Cl) ;t~ -e· J ~ {..:1. ~, A :3 ~ 1fj .:t 1t .it.! ?\ ~ - 1t ~ e:...~~i\:~ .tL ~.:: ~ e:...1: .tLtf, lt*e:...t~h ~ t C1) ~"*~~. JeJ~C1) ~ ~ e:... ~--:> -r t tt 'J ~ 1: 'J, r.~z .s; C1) ;t: -e·J lt:f= ~ If"~ t. """'-:> 1: "' -( "" < fJ e:... 1: --:> -r "' < ~ ~ "' t -to -:> ~ * l -r tl' ij w1: * .!- ':... :£. -:)" ~ ' *-,11 C1) tt)1Jl ~ ~ tt tc. -:3 i ..( r .~ z .s; C1) ¥ -e· J C1) ..:1. ~, A :3 ~ 1fj .:t 1t .it.! ?\ ~ - 1t ~"""'Cl) tt.-! e:... ~ --t "' tc. l t -to -+>A:29-l- 2~ 218 .~z J; C1) -i:~RJ 'J 1*4~ ~~ M 1' I t~ ~~) Certificate of Consent "Akusekijima no Boze" appear at the end of the Bon festival dance that takes place in Akusekijima on July 16 of the old Japanese calendar. These Boze are masked deities that are vital to closing the Bon festival rituals. Every year, the preservation association makes the outfits for the masked deities called Boze using traditional methods. The Boze hold phallus-shaped poles dabbed with red mud and chase women and children around. When touched with this red mud, people are said to be purged of misfortune and women to be blessed with children. These customs are transmitted without fail from elders to the young people. In Toshima village, Kagoshima Prefecture, the people consider this precious cultural heritage called the Akusekijima no Boze ritual as something dear that maintains the community and uplifts it. The village will continue to provide the necessary support and work to actively safeguard and transmit this heritage. Based on a full understanding of the purposes of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and by my own free will, I consent to the nomination of the element "Raiho-s hin. " 21 February, 2017 Mayor of Toshima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture 14-15 Izumi-cho, Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, JAPAN r.~z ~ C1) * -e·J c1, ualf C1) 1 ~ t6 13 C1) r.~z .s; C1) ~!li 1 ) J C1) ~ iJ. -( ±JJL l j. -j- a ~ C1) ;j{ -e· (j, ~lf * C1) l.Jl ~ ~ -j ~ tc -:l{-~tt <.:t q. ~ '~ :a- *t'l ~ t ~ t'l "( "' *-t 0 ~ tl ~ t.:t) -l- ~ :f 1,) \ ~ k :f ""' .it j' t ~ t t ill 1,) ~ t l "( " \ *-t 0 .¥tJI(J ~ ~ + .s; # -( <.:t, ~ C1) * tiJ "f- ~ 1t.1t.! -( ~ ~ r .~z .s; C1) ¥ -e· J ~ , JeJ~ ~ .t1itt l ,t ~ ~ -tt ~ tc ..::r.. ;f-. A. :J *11~ ~ 1t .1t.! 1:f; a c:f.-1b C1) ~ ~ ~ + -1)' ~i * ;{_ tc -3 i -(, ij w "f- -t .& '~ ~ -?. ~ , 4-- EJ C1) r *-w ~+ lt *J C1) ~t. *'-: FJ-t l *-to -+~ 2 9 -l- 2 M 2 1 13 22..