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Heritage conservation movement in Japan started around the late nineteenth century, during the transitional period from the feudalistic Shogunate government to centralised nation aiming for constitutional monarchy. Meiji restoration resulted in the establishment of new government in 1868. It was this time when the capital was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. The opening of the nation to the outside world and the idea to separate Shintoism and Buddhism caused damage to the Buddhism in Japan. Although it was not the intention, this led to the destruction of Buddhist properties around the nation. This raised concern for the loss of cultural properties in Japan including drain of art objects to foreign counties. In 1897, Law for the preservation of ancient shrines and temples was promulgated focusing on thethe architecture of shrines and temples, as well as the treasures they possess, particularly those that are symbolic …