Photo/Illutration An artisan crafts "Echizen Torinokoshi" paper using ingredients and techniques that have been passed down for generations in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture. (Provided by the Cultural Affairs Agency)

Japan’s cultural tapestry is poised to gain further global recognition with the expected addition of another batch of traditional practices and crafts to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The Cultural Affairs Agency announced on Nov. 11 that UNESCO’s evaluation body has recommended registering Fukui Prefecture's "Echizen Torinokoshi" paper as part of the broader "washi" heritage category.

The centuries-old papermaking technique passed down through the generations uses pulp made from the fibers of the Daphne paper plant filtered through a bamboo screen.

The list already features three registered types of traditional papermaking, such as "Hon-minoshi" from Gifu Prefecture.

A final decision for the registration is expected at an intergovernmental committee meeting in India in December.

Four traditional Japanese celebrations have also been recommended for addition to the “Yama, Hoko and Yatai” float festivals category.

They are Hitachi-Otsu Ofune Matsuri from Ibaraki Prefecture; Murakami Matsuri from Niigata Prefecture; Hojozu Hachimangu-sai from Toyama Prefecture; and Otsu Matsuri from Shiga Prefecture.

The category currently includes 33 similar events from across the country.

In the realm of traditional architecture, the technique of "Teori Nakatsugi Omote" may be added to a category dedicated to skills used in the preservation of wooden structures; it involves hand-weaving select tatami mats and is typically used for temples, shrines and other traditional buildings.

Japan currently has 23 registered elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Among these are Kabuki theater, sake brewing and traditional Japanese cuisine known as "washoku."

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