Mr. Morikawa: Around the time the proposal for the UNESCO World Heritage bid first emerged, I was an official at the Nara Prefectural Government. By January 28, 2025, when the domestic nomination was finalized and submitted to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, I had become the Mayor of Asuka Village. The Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara represent the origin of Japanese capital construction—the precursors to Heijo-kyo (Nara) and Heian-kyo (Kyoto). In essence, this area was the birthplace of Japan and its capital. Consequently, the push for World Heritage registration has been a collaborative effort between four administrative bodies: Nara Prefecture, Kashihara City, Sakurai City, and Asuka Village.

Asuka" and "Fujiwara" represent the cultural heritage signifying the birth of Japan's first centralized imperial capital; the former was centered around Asuka Village in the late 6th century, while the latter was centered around present-day Kashihara City at the end of the 7th century. Both reflect the political and cultural exchanges between Japan and the nations of China and the Korean Peninsula, showcasing a fusion of imported cultures brought by immigrants with indigenous Japanese traditions. How is Sakurai City involved in this context?

Mr. Morikawa: While Sakurai City is home to numerous cultural properties predating the Asuka-Fujiwara period, it also features the Yamada-dera Temple Site, which is an integral component of the Ancient Capital of Asuka, currently seeking World Heritage registration.

The Emperor (referred to as "Okimi" at the time) centralized political power within the residential palace, surrounded by the administrative mechanisms required to govern the nation. This become the Ancient Capital of Asuka, alongside with the Ancient Capital of Fujiwara—which corresponds to present-day Kashihara City, encircled by the Yamato Sanzan (the Three Mountains of Yamato).

Mr. Morikawa: Prior to The Ancient Capital of Asuka, the Emperors' palaces were located in areas called ""Iware"" in Sakurai City and were relocated with each successive reign. The development of Asuka began in earnest with the construction of Asuka-dera Temple; starting with Toyura-no-miya at the end of the 6th century, six palaces were built in this region over a period of approximately 100 years. Archaeological excavations have revealed that four of these palaces were constructed on the same site at Asuka Palace Site (traditionally known as the Asuka Itabuki-no-miya Site), indicating that the nation's center had become fixed, with residential buildings and government offices gradually being established in the surrounding area.

The Asuka Palace Site in Asuka served as the stage for the "Isshi Incident" in 645 AD, during which Prince Naka no Oe (later Emperor Tenji) and Nakatomi no Kamatari (later Fujiwara no Kamatari) assassinated Soga no Iruka within the palace. It is widely recognized as the starting point of the "Taika Reform," the political coup that ultimately led to the downfall of the Soga clan. In essence, it was the definitive stage upon which Japanese history unfolded.

HOSHINOYA Asuka is currently under construction in the Mayumi area, located west of Asuka Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line and near the Kengoshizuka Mounded Tomb. From there, it is approximately a 5-minute drive to Asuka Palace Site, the heart of the Ancient Capital of Asuka. The vicinity of the palace site is home to numerous landmarks, including Tachibana-dera Temple, the reputed birthplace of Prince Shotoku; Asuka-dera Temple, Japan's first full-scale Buddhist temple; Oka-dera Temple, the nation’s first sacred site for warding off evil established by Emperor Tenji; and the Ishibutai Mounded Tomb, believed to be the tomb of Soga no Umako, grandfather of Soga no Iruka. Additionally, the area offers enriching cultural facilities such as the Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties and the Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture. The designation will hopefully bring more recognition and stimulate evolution in the area.

Mr. Morikawa: Asuka Village possesses a unique characteristic rarely found elsewhere, where historical remains are seamlessly integrated into the local agricultural lifestyle and the community. Our goal is to encourage a style of visitation that allows guests to deeply immerse themselves in and fully appreciate the entire Asuka Village area.

We will continue to interview Mayor Morikawa of Asuka Village to explore further topics, such as "Why Hoshino Resorts?" Stay tuned.