World heritage and cultural tourism in Japan

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to examine a conflict between local elites and local forest workers in relation to the designation of Kumano Kodo in Japan as a World Heritage site. Aesthetics of landscapes are highly politicized, which creates conflicts for forest workers.Design/methodology/approach – The study examines two concepts of “heritage” and “authenticity,” that World Heritage emphasizes. Types of authenticity are compared, and a post‐structuralist's model of authenticity is developed. The study uses empirical research data to show a process of authentication of tourist sites.Findings – The value associated with World Heritage, while proclaimed as “universal value”, represents a Eurocentric hegemonic power that local elites use symbolically. The construction of Kumano Kodo as a World Heritage site entails masking local histories and memories.Originality/value – Many scholars discuss heritage sites from the viewpoint of a conflict between nationalism and globalism. This paper, however, views heritage to...