The Japan Society for the Preservation of Historic Sites, Tokyo, 1911.

The Japan Society for the Preservation of Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments, Tokyo, an advocacy group founded by Marquis Tokugawa Yorimichi in 1911, assembling here for a tour of historical sites in Tokyo.

“In pre-modern Japan, the idea of management or protection of cultural heritage by the state (by today’s definition) did not exist.

“Cultural heritage was the private property of court nobles, including the Emperor’s family, and feudal lords, including the Tokugawa Shogunate … Similarly, the Meiji Restoration, a revolution that opened the door of Japan’s modernization, did not entail widespread destruction of cities or most regions, as symbolized by the bloodless takeover of Edo Castle.

“However, by the end of the Meiji period, as national land development affected by railway construction and urban development accelerated, the preservation of historic sites and scenic spots and the protection of flora and fauna became recognized as issues.

“The preservation movement among the private sector grew with the establishment, in 1911, of the Society for the Preservation of Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments led by Marquis Tokugawa Yorimichi.

“With the Society’s prodding, the Diet in 1919 enacted the Law for the Preservation of Historic Sites, Places of Scenic Beauty, and Natural Monuments, stipulating that the Minister of the Interior designate historic sites, places of scenic beauty, and natural monuments, and that changes to the status quo or actions that affect preservation would be subject to permission from local commissioners.”

– Wikipedia