Culture is not composed solely of what can be seen with the eye. Tangible forms such as traditional architecture, crafts, festivals, and clothing are imbued with invisible elements—spiritual beliefs, philosophies, and values. Beyond surface beauty or utility, it is the intangible meaning behind their forms—the “why” of their design—that continues to resonate with people across time.
This spiritual depth is especially evident in Japanese architecture. In Shinto shrines, for example, the placement of torii gates, the structure of main halls, the layout of temple corridors, and the design of gardens are all infused with meaning. The spatial composition, the interplay of light and shadow, the way sound echoes—none of these are merely functional. They embody unseen relationships: harmony with nature, the distance between humans and the divine. Silence and empty space are cherished, not for their absence, but for the inner reflection they invite.
The same holds true for Japanese crafts. Irregularities in ceramics, the soft luster of lacquerware, or the uneven dyeing of fabric are not considered flaws, but signs of humanity. These individual differences are embraced as expressions of life itself. Rather than waste or error, they reflect acceptance of imperfection as part of the human experience. As these objects change subtly through use, they become quiet records of time, offering a sense of spiritual richness.
Such forms are not easily captured in blueprints or technical manuals. Their realization depends on repeated gestures, tactile sensitivity, and an intimate dialogue with materials. In essence, form serves as a vessel for spirit—a visible embodiment of consciousness shaped by human hands. Cultural heritage endures not only because of its physical form, but because the spirit behind it still speaks to us today.
Take, for example, New Year’s shimenawa ropes, Tanabata bamboo decorations, or seasonal interior arrangements. These elements of ceremonial display are not mere traditions—they embody wishes, reminders, and reverence. It is only by giving such sentiments a tangible form that they can be shared: prayers, respect, gratitude—all made visible so that intangible emotions can find expression and function within society.
Many items designated as National Cultural Heritage in Japan possess this dual structure. Beneath the visible aspects—stone walls, folding screens, Noh stages, or kimono—lie underlying frameworks of spirit and thought. These are the “reasons behind the form,” enduring truths that remain relevant regardless of the era, and form the essence we aim to pass on to future generations.
In today’s digital and globalized world, such invisible values are easily overlooked. Yet no matter how much the times may change, human emotions and sensitivities do not transform overnight. The sense of calm felt in a quiet space, the warmth in holding a finely crafted object—these experiences speak to something deeper. In such moments, we are drawn inward, engaging with our own inner world.
The “form” of cultural heritage serves as a medium that speaks to us of the spirit of its time. This is why we must trace its contours and seek to understand the meaning within. It is the power to imagine the unseen behind the visible that holds the key to carrying culture into the future. When we sense the spirit embedded within form, we may be experiencing our most profound encounter with culture.