Located in Yabe town, Kumamoto prefecture
'Tsujunkyo' is the name given to one of the
largest stone aqueduct bridges in Japan.
Built in 1854 with contributions from local
farmers this simple but elegant bridge was
designed to bring vital water to the area
for irrigation. Before the construction
of 'Tsujunkyo' the area suffered often from
famine due to the shortage of water.
76 metres long and 21 metres high, the aqueduct
carries water in 3 channels. Ducts in the
sides of the bridge can be opened to clean
the channels, resulting in a spectacular
discharge of water into the ravine below.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside 'Tsujunkyo'
is well worth a visit.
The Higo Stone Bridge Preservation Society
aims to stimulate interest in and educate
the public about the many examples of superb
stone masonry in Kumamoto.
We would like the Japanese Government to
submit a nomination to UNESCO that 'Tsujunkyo'
be designated a World Heritage site. The
criteria for World Heritage status are as
follows:
- It must represent a masterpiece of
human genius; or
- exhibit an important interchange of
human values, over a span of time or within
a cultural area of the world, on developments
in architecture or technology, monumental
arts, town-planning or landscape design;
or
- bear a unique or at least exceptional
testimony to a cultural tradition or to a
civilization which is living or which has
disappeared; or
- be an outstanding example of of a type
of building or architectural or technological
ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a)
significant stage(s) in human history; or
- be an outstanding example of a traditional
human settlement or land-use which is representative
of a culture (or cultures), especially when
it has become vulnerable under the impact
of irreversible change; or
- be directly or tangibly associated
with events or living traditions, with ideas,
or with beliefs, with artistic and literary
works of outstanding universal significance(the
committee considers that this criterion should
justify inclusion in the List only in exceptional
circumstances and in conjunction with other
criteria cultural or natural)
If you would like to help us with our campaign
,are interested in joining The Higo Stone
Bridge Society or would like more information
on examples of traditional stone masonry
in Kumamoto please contact us.
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