They're outstanding traditional japanese crafts-people and performing artists. They've been chosen by the Japanese government as "holders of traditional skills registered as important intangible cultural assets." But popularly, they're called living national treasures. The program started in 1954. It helps to ensure that the traditional skills will be carried on by future generations.
Once a person is designated a living national treasure, he or she usually feels a responsibility to help train others. And nationwide recognition helps to maintain the interst in the traditional arts and crafts.
There's a great variety. The famous potter, Shoji Hamada, for example, was a living national treasure until his death in 1978. And there are one or more sword-smiths, silk brocade weavers, kimono designers, paper-makers, and Bunraku performers, among others.
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