An article about the 20th Anniversary World Heritage Registration Symposium was published in the Kii Minpo newspaper.

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

The symposium "Nachi Falls and the Future of the Region", held in Nachikatsuura Town, Wakayama Prefecture, commemorates the 20th anniversary of World Heritage registration. This event aims to deepen discussions on the history and cultural significance of Nachi Falls, as well as the future of the region.

Renowned architect Kengo Kuma and many other experts will take the stage to share insights on the charm of Nachi Falls.

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Venue: Seiganto-ji Temple, Shinto Hall
(8 Nachisan, Nachikatsuura-cho, Higashimuro-gun, Wakayama 649-5301, Japan)
Doors Open: 12:45 | Start: 13:15 | End: 16:30 (planned)
Admission: Free

In-Person Participation: 200 attendees (first-come, first-served)
Online Streaming Available

Keynote Speech
Theme: Forms of Faith and Nachi Falls – The Overlapping Meanings of the Waterfall, Deities, and Kannon
Speaker: Tomoyuki Okouchi (Associate Professor, Department of Cultural Heritage, Nara University)
Time: 13:30 – 14:10

Lectures
Theme: The Charm of the Nachi Pilgrimage Mandala
Speaker: Shigeo Yamamoto (Representative Committee Member, International Kumano Studies Association)
Time: 14:10 – 14:50

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

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

Theme: Vegetation and Environmental Conditions Around Nachi Falls
Speaker: Shuji Takino (Chairman, Kumano Nature Conservation Liaison Council)
Time: 16:00 – 16:30

Access
Nearest Station: Approx. 30 minutes by bus from Kii-Katsuura Station, then a 15-minute walk
Parking: Paid parking available (limited spaces, public transportation recommended)

Registration
Advance registration is required. Please apply via the official website of Nachikatsuura Town.