Congratulations! The Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara Inscribed on the World Heritage List

On July 26, 2026, the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee decided to inscribe the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara in Nara Prefecture, Japan, on the World Heritage List. The news delighted lovers of ancient Japanese history, and I am one of them.

Asuka and Fujiwara served as capitals of Japan from the late 6th century to the early 8th century, a time known as the Asuka period. I have loved this era since my youth, when I was deeply moved and inspired by two renowned manga: Hi Izuru Tokoro no Tenshi (Emperor of the Land of the Rising Sun) by Ryoko Yamagishi and Tenjo no Niji (Rainbow in the Sky) by Machiko Satonaka. Both artists are legends in the genre, and they portrayed the people of the Asuka period as lively and attractive. During this period, Japan gradually developed into a centralized state.