As mentioned in the introduction to GIGEIIN, the Faculty of Arts and Design of the University of Toyama has a history of contributing to the development of local craft culture through education and research. It has been working with the national government for over 15 years, including Takaoka Mikurumayama. We have been involved in the conservation and restoration of important designated tangible and intangible folk cultural properties. As a group of researchers specializing in metal crafts, wood crafts, lacquer crafts, architectural structures, and cultural policy, we refine conventional manual techniques through research and production of works, and education. Several years ago, we started using digital techniques such as 3D scanners. We use equipment to collect data on the objects to be repaired. We use this data to discuss and verify the repair work and create jigs and templates for use in the work. Recently, we added staff members specializing in digital technology. We are now capable of generating 3D images by overlaying colors and textures from photographic data while simultaneously collecting 3D data of the repair target. This enables the generation of high-quality digital archives. This is one of my goals. Research and analysis from a scientific perspective is essential when restoring cultural properties. Component analysis is now feasible using a fluorescent X-ray analyzer. We also utilize our strengths as a comprehensive university to conduct research in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering and the School of Medicine. We have demonstrated achievements in research. In addition, we would collaborate with highly skilled craft engineers in the Hokuriku region and cultural property managers of related local governments to achieve more precise and high-quality cultural property preservation for the future. This is also aimed at the development of the next generation. We aim to develop a system that would endure.

When addressing cultural properties, we consider it important 1) to have a wide range of knowledge and high-level skills to perform accurate repairs and 2) to be capable of responding with humility while understanding the various backgrounds of each cultural property.

The Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024 caused severe damage to the entire Noto Peninsula. We should design and implement measures to support those affected by the disaster and to rebuild the region. The GIGEIIN intends to actively collaborate with activities aimed at revitalizing the local culture.

“Historical townscapes” exist in many parts of Japan. In Takaoka City (where GIGEIIN is located), there also exist historical townscapes such as “Kanayamachi” and “Yoshihisa” with their impressive “Samanoko” latticework, and “Yamacho-suji” with its rows of storehouse-style buildings. These are places where humans have lived and are an important tourist resource.

Tourism is one of the most important industries in Japan. Historical townscapes that can function as tourism resources should be protected and passed on. What specific efforts are required to protect historical cityscapes and pass these on to future generations?

One of the typical elements of a historic townscape is “architecture”. Although “architecture” is a one-worded term, various structural types exist. Moreover, in certain areas, conventional wooden structures and brick-and-reinforced-concrete structures can be observed in modern and post-modern architecture. To preserve the historical townscape that each region displays, it is essential to protect and pass on the architecture that exists there. Apparently, it is important to preserve the cultural elements of each historical townscape, such as its historical background, industry, and livelihood. However, it is also highly important to preserve the architecture that visually constitutes the townscape. In addition, architecture plays the role of a habitat that functions as the foundation of culture. We consider that “inheriting the architecture” is the basis for “inheriting the culture”. However, it is in “inheriting the architecture” that the difficulty of historical townscape preservation lies.