Publications
Editors’ Note
A significant shift in U.S. military policy towards cultural property protection (CPP) has been documented, marking a departure from historical practices that often neglected or even destroyed historic sites during conflicts. The study highlights the ratification of the 1954 Hague Convention by the U.S. Senate in 2009, following devastating incidents such as the looting of the Iraqi National Museum and damage to ancient sites like Samarra. This change is attributed to advocacy efforts by key figures, including Corine Wegener at the Smithsonian Institution and Laurie Rush from the Department of the Army, who played pivotal roles in integrating CPP into military planning and training. The research draws on conference proceedings and historical analysis to underscore the evolving recognition of cultural heritage preservation in modern military doctrine.
A study on the effect of tourist attributes and travel patterns on sightseeing excursions
Tourist overcrowding at select sites within Kyoto's Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto negatively impacts revenue and visitor appeal. Research led by Dr. Yoshiaki Kouchi from Bukkyo University identifies that concentrated tourist visits to a few key locations contribute to this issue, undermining the city's tourism sustainability despite its global reputation as a premier destination. The study examines how tourist attributes—such as demographics, preferences, and travel behavior—and their patterns influence sightseeing excursions. By analyzing these factors, the research aims to provide insights for balancing visitor distribution and mitigating overcrowding, which could enhance both the experience for tourists and economic outcomes for heritage sites.
Seismic assessment of Japanese traditional wooden structure by dynamic interaction numerical analysis of surrounding ground
A seismic assessment of a traditional wooden building, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,' revealed that the structure is at risk of partial damage during a scenario earthquake and potential collapse if subjected to double its amplitude. The study employed three-dimensional earthquake response analyses, incorporating dynamic interaction between the building and surrounding ground due to its location on a hill with complex geophysical features. This approach was compared against a non-interaction model for accuracy. Geotechnical investigations informed the analysis, highlighting significant differences in seismic responses when considering structure-ground coupling versus isolated structural models.
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