Changes

The system was established in [[1884]], in the [[Meiji period]], in conjunction with efforts to create a systematized set of "national" traditions, and a national narrative of Japan's history, comparable to those possessed by "modern" nation-states in the West. The first object to be designated a National Treasure was a 7th century wooden Buddha statue held at [[Koryu-ji|Kôryû-ji]] in Kyoto.<ref>This sculpture has traditionally been identified as a depiction of Maitreya (J: ''[[Miroku]]''), but today many scholars suggest that the identity of the figure is unclear. Conrad Schirokauer, et al, ''A Brief History of Japanese Civilization'', Wadsworth Cengage (2013), 29.</ref>

The system was established in [[1884]], in the [[Meiji period]], in conjunction with efforts to create a systematized set of "national" traditions, and a national narrative of Japan's history, comparable to those possessed by "modern" nation-states in the West. The first object to be designated a National Treasure was a 7th century wooden Buddha statue held at [[Koryu-ji|Kôryû-ji]] in Kyoto.<ref>This sculpture has traditionally been identified as a depiction of Maitreya (J: ''[[Miroku]]''), but today many scholars suggest that the identity of the figure is unclear. Conrad Schirokauer, et al, ''A Brief History of Japanese Civilization'', Wadsworth Cengage (2013), 29.</ref>

The Japanese government, which held Korea as a colony from [[1910]]-1945, also compiled a list of "National Treasures of Korea." The Republic of Korea (aka South Korea) today retains that list, with numerous post-independence additions.

The Japanese government, which held Korea as a [[Colonial Korea|colony]] from [[1910]]-1945, also compiled a list of "[[National Treasures of Korea]]." The Republic of Korea (aka South Korea) today retains that list, with numerous post-independence additions.

Up until 1932, the only buildings that could be designated National Treasures were [[Buddhist temples]] and [[Shinto shrines]].<ref>Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” ''The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus'' 41 (12 Oct 2009).</ref> This was then modified to allow Japanese castles and other sites of historical importance to be added to the category.

Up until 1932, the only buildings that could be designated National Treasures were [[Buddhist temples]] and [[Shinto shrines]].<ref>Loo, Tze M. “Shuri Castle’s Other History: Architecture and Empire in Okinawa.” ''The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus'' 41 (12 Oct 2009).</ref> This was then modified to allow Japanese castles and other sites of historical importance to be added to the category.