The Japanese Association for Conservation of Architectural Monuments

The Japanese Association for Conservation of Architectural Monuments (JACAM) is a nationwide association of conservation architects committed to the conservation and repair of buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, as well as other historic buildings in Japan.

Our main task is the design and management of conservation and repair projects. This process includes:

a thorough inspection, survey and research of the current condition of the building, including the structural system, the condition and causes of decay, previous repair works, and the construction history of the building;
an analysis and evaluation of the cultural significance of the building;
designing the conservation project taking into account the result of the surveys and the cultural significance of the building;
managing the conservation and repair work according to the principles of conservation and the relevant traditional repair techniques;
thorough recording an documentation of all the work that has been carried out

Currently, over 100 highly qualified specialists certified as conservation architects are affiliated to our organization.

Since its establishment in 1971, more than 5000 conservation and repair projects of historic buildings all over Japan have been undertaken by our organization.

In addition, over 500 conservation architects and craftspersons have been trained in our training programs.

Activities

Design and management of conservation and repair projects01

Design and management of conservation and repair projects

Around 300 conservation and repair projects of buildings designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties as well as other historic buildings are undertaken by our organization each year.

Education and training of conservation specialists01

Education and training of conservation specialists

Training programs of different levels for conservation architects and carpenters specialized in the repair of historic buildings are held regularly.

Research

Research on architectural conservation and repair techniques is carried out continually in order to improve the quality of the repair work. In addition, extremely valuable information about historic buildings and traditional building techniques is obtained through on-site surveys during the repair work. This information is systematically collected and analyzed.

Publication

A report including detailed documentation of the repair work, the result of the surveys, and thorough graphic documentation is published each time a conservation and repair project is completed. In addition, the journal "JACAM Report" is issued four times a year, and an Annual Bulletin is published. Open days doors at repair work sites, open seminars, and symposiums are held regularly.