20th Anniversary Symposium of the World Heritage Registration
Theme: "Nachi Falls and the Future of the Region"

The "Nachi Falls and the Future of the Region" Symposium, held in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, commemorates the 20th anniversary of World Heritage registration. This event explores the historical and cultural value of Nachi Falls and the future of the surrounding region.
Renowned architect Kengo Kuma and other esteemed experts will share their insights into the beauty and significance of Nachi Falls.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Venue: Seiganto-ji Temple Assembly Hall
(8 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura Town, Higashimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, 649-5301, Japan)

Opening: 12:45

Start: 13:15

End: Approximately 16:30

Participation Fee: Free

On-site Attendance: Limited to 200 participants (first-come, first-served)

Online Streaming: Available

Program Details
Keynote Speech

Theme: "The Shape of Faith at Nachi Falls – Overlapping Waterfalls, Gods, and Kannon"
Speaker: Tomoyuki Okouchi (Associate Professor, Faculty of Cultural Heritage, Nara University)
Time: 13:30 – 14:10
Lecture

Theme: "The Charm of the Nachi Pilgrimage Mandala"
Speaker: Shigeo Yamamoto (Representative, International Kumano Study Association)
Time: 14:10 – 14:50
Commemorative Speech

Theme: "The Power of Waterfalls, the Power of Forests"
Speaker: Kengo Kuma (Architect and Designer of the 'AKANE' Chair)
Time: 14:50 – 15:30
Lecture

Theme: "Live Interpretation of the Nachi Pilgrimage Mandala"
Speaker: Midori Ikuma (Guide, Kumano Nachi Guide Association)
Time: 15:30 – 16:00
Lecture

Theme: "The Vegetation and Environment Around Nachi Falls"
Speaker: Shuji Takino (Chairman, Kumano Nature Preservation Liaison Committee)
Time: 16:00 – 16:30
Access

Nearest Station: Approximately 30 minutes by bus + 15 minutes on foot from Kii-Katsuura Station
Parking: Paid parking is available, but spaces are limited. Public transportation is recommended.
How to Apply
Advance registration is required. Please apply through the official website of Nachikatsuura Town:
Nachikatsuura Town Official Website