Tangible Cultural Properties

Tangible Cultural Properties (有形文化財 yūkei bunkazai) as defined by the Japanese governments  Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties cultural properties high historical or artistic value such as structures, paintings, sculptures, handicrafts, calligraphic works, ancient books, historic documents, archeological artifacts and other such items created in Japan.All objects which are not structures are called "works of fine arts and crafts.

Considered by the Japanese government to be, like all Cultural Properties, a precious legacy of the Japanese people, they are protected in various ways, and their export is either controlled or forbidden.

Tangible Cultural Properties can be Designated or Registered. The two terms imply different terms of protection under the law.