TOKYO - An advisory body of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has recommended adding Japanese calligraphy, known as shodo, to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, the Japanese government said Thursday.
Following the recommendation, a formal decision on its inscription is expected at a session of UNESCO's intergovernmental committee in Xiamen, China, to be held Nov. 30 to Dec. 5.
If registered, shodo would bring Japan's total number of items on the intangible cultural heritage list to 24, including traditional knowledge and skills for making sake and shochu distilled spirits.
Shodo is a traditional art form that employs kanji and kana characters, according to Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. Japan has developed its own styles of calligraphy since the introduction of Chinese characters.
Chinese calligraphy has already been inscribed on the list.
Japan's cultural affairs council selected shodo in 2023 for nomination to UNESCO, with documents submitted in 2025 culminating in the recommendation.
