Japanese Digital Cultural Promotion

Gadjeva uses Kyoto as a case study to explore the innovative mechanisms being used to promote Japanese culture and cultural properties since the outbreak of COVID-19.

Beginning by setting out the main initiatives and actors involved in preserving, introducing, and utilizing Kyoto?s cultural heritage, Gadjeva proceeds to discuss alternative approaches using digital technologies. These tools include remote access virtual reality, augmented reality, augmented virtuality, and mixed reality. She looks at how such approaches have been applied to Kyoto?s digital museums, real-time online experiences, and other virtual projects presenting tangible, intangible, and folk heritage. In doing so she draws on a wide range of interviews with experts from the Japan Foundation, the Kyoto Art Center, and other related institutions to investigate the limitations and possible strategies for further development of these practices. She also interviews scholars, government officials, and experts from Europe about the prospects for further remote online experiences, applied both specifically to Kyoto and more broadly to cultural tourism. Based on the findings, the book discusses particular future challenges and suggests specific policies and project proposals for further remote online experiences of Kyoto?s cultural properties.

A valuable read for professionals and scholars of cultural and tourism studies, that will be of particular interest to those specializing in Japan.

"This book by young Bulgarian scholar Nadejda Gadjeva is part of an in-depth study and research of Japanese culture to which she has dedicated her efforts over the past years and as such will attract the interest of both the academia and the general public. It deals with a subject of universal importance ? using alternative methods and approaches as well as digital technologies in the implementation of virtual projects the aim being to ensure sustainable access to material cultural property in the post-Covid-19 era. The study which focuses on Kyoto?s cultural heritage is a timely initiative given the new reality and challenges imposed by the recent pandemic. The book makes a valuable contribution to promoting policies of enhancing Japan?s presence in the world as a country with unique history and culture. Furthermore it may serve as a starting point for a more systematic research into other regions of Japan and worldwide."

Vera Stefanova, Japanologist, retired diplomat