Japan decides to nominate shodo Japanese calligraphy for inscription to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in the fall of 2026, while also approving applications to add six items to its existing listings in 2025.
Film director Naomi Kawase, winner of several Cannes awards, is appointed a UNESCO goodwill ambassador, becoming the first Japanese woman to take the position, according to Japan s permanent delegation to the U.N. organization.