The Meaning of 'Living National Treasure'

Ask any young baseball fan about their dream, and their eyes will light up as they tell you they want to be a pro or a Major Leaguer. So, when Miyamoto first stepped into the world of traditional Japanese crafts, did he dream of one day becoming a Living National Treasure himself?

"I never even considered it," he says. "There was this incredible master, Tatsuaki Kuroda, right there beside me. I always thought he was the kind of person who earns that title."

Perhaps Miyamoto's humility comes from experiencing the skill and character of a Living National Treasure firsthand from the very start of his apprenticeship. Still, he was chosen. So, what is the selection process actually like?

"You get a phone call. They told me, “We’re in a meeting right now, and your name has come up for consideration as a Living National Treasure.” When they suddenly ask if you want to become one, you have no idea what you’re supposed to do.'"

"I learned that the role is about passing the skills of an intangible cultural property on to the next generation. I told them that if that was the case, I would be honored to accept."