Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu

• Fire

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On 30 November 2022, in response to World Heritage Committee’s Decision 44 COM 7B.29, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation of the property, which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/972/documents. The report presents progress made with several points highlighted by the Committee in its previous decision, as follows:

• The restoration work of the archaeological remains has completed, followed by regular monitoring;
• The reconstruction process for replica structures, especially the State Hall, has progressed in line with the “Work Schedule for the Rebuilding of the Replica of the State Hall and Other Replica Structures of Shuri-jô site”. The reconstruction of the State Hall began in November 2022 and is planned to be completed by 2026;
• The reconstruction of the structures, including the State Hall, is carried out in line with the “Fire Prevention Measures for the State Hall of Shuri-jô Site” developed in 2020 to avoid future fire risks. It specifies measures to be taken depending on the stage of the fire, based on various fire breakout factors;
• Various community engagement opportunities have been secured, ranging from experts committing recovery process to local people participating volunteer activities.

At the request of the Committee, a joint World Heritage Centre/ICOMOS/ICCROM Reactive Monitoring mission visited the property from 12 to 14 June 2023. At the time of preparing this document, the mission report is undergoing finalization.

The State Party has made progress towards the implementation of the Committee’s previous decision and has provided useful clarifications about the progress accomplished thus far.

Completion of the restoration work of the archaeological remains is noted with satisfaction. In accordance with the national law, all the necessary measures, including the investigation of the damage, resin reinforcement, and the installation of a temporary shelter, have been implemented under the guidance and supervision of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the local government. It is also appropriate that the remains were backfilled with sand capping to protect them from any potential risks associated with the reconstruction of the State Hall.

The progress accomplished with the reconstruction of replica structures is appreciated and appears to have advanced as scheduled. It is noted that the reconstruction of the State Hall is intended to rebuild it in its original condition, before the fire, by developing the design and choosing the tree species for structural lumbers based on historical records and documentation and the basic policies of the previous replications. The Committee may wish to request that the State Party continue its efforts for the reconstruction while keeping the authenticity of design, form, and artisanship, and to ensure that these works would not cause any negative impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property.

The development of “Fire Prevention Measures for the State Hall of Shuri-jô Site” should be welcomed, and the Committee may therefore wish to request the State Party to ensure that these measures are integrated into the reconstruction of all replica structures when designing specific fire prevention measures for each building, while not attempting to create ‘in-style’ elements or details that never existed in an effort to hide or screen contemporary fire prevention devices. It is also acknowledged that, according to the fire prevention measures, the design and layout of fire prevention equipment must protect the atmosphere of the historical space and landscapes, which are important aspects for the recovery of the Shuri-jô site.

The State Party is expected to continuously facilitate the involvement of all stakeholders, including local communities, in the recovery process of the property.