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Chapter 3. For the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties
�3 Promotion of the Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Properties
5. Buried Cultural Properties


Shell mounds, tombs, ruins of dwellings and other structures, earthenware and stoneware which exist concealed underground are termed buried cultural properties. The land which contains these properties is termed archaeological and/ or historical subsoil.

Because buried cultural properties exist concealed within the ground, it is difficult to judge their nature and condition. Although some archaeological and/or historical subsoil has either been previously identified or can be recognized from the surface appearance, there are other types of subsoil which are concealed beneath the surface and uneasily recognizable except by experts or which remain undiscovered until being accidentally discovered during engineering work. It is these characteristics of buried cultural properties that makes their protection difficult.

Judging from a comprehensive overview of the results of investigations conducted by prefectures, on the distribution of archaeological and/ or historical subsoil, it is believed to exist in an estimated 300.000 locations throughout Japan. This fact, together with the recent pace of land development, makes further coordination with land developers necessary. It is necessary to continue to raise the consciousness of land developers as well as that of the general public regarding the importance of protecting buried cultural properties.


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