Safeguarding measures at national level worldwide

In addition to the five categories, traditional techniques for conserving cultural properties are defined under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.
Of the cultural properties above, "intangible cultural properties," "intangible folk-cultural properties," and "traditional conservation techniques" are intangible cultural heritage.

Under this law, "Intangible Cultural Properties" are defined as "stage arts, music, craft techniques, and other intangible cultural assets that possess high historic or artistic value for Japan," and efforts are made for their safeguarding.

The Law initially was designed to protect intangible cultural properties of significant value by subsidizing persons recognized as qualified for preserving such properties. In 1954, the law was amended to introduce the designation of "Important Intangible Cultural Properties" and recognition of persons skilled in such arts and crafts, to provide greater protection in this area. Priority protection of cultural properties through designation is a distinctive characteristic of this Law. In addition, traditional customs and practices have also been recognized as "intangible folk-cultural materials" to be preserved by producing records thereof.

In the amendment of 1975, "folk-cultural properties" and "traditional conservation techniques for cultural properties" were added. Intangible folk-cultural properties in this category include folk performance arts, of which important properties have been designated for active preservation efforts.

　　Latvia

　　Latvia's current cultural policies are reflected in the National Programme "Culture" (2000 - 2010) that embraces all fields of culture, including "Traditional Culture" and "Amateur Art". Within this programme, the safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is ensured through three channels:
" institutional system
" legislation
" funding
An English summary of the Programme is available at the website of the Ministry of culture
http://www.km.gov.lv/UI/main.asp?id=11054.
Presently, the Latvian Ministry of Culture is in the process of drafting legislation on the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage.
A Law on Song and Dance Celebration was adopted in 2005.