The World Heritage Academy (NPO) / World Heritage Certification Office (located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) will host the 'World Heritage Certification 20th Anniversary Commemorative Digital Stamp Rally' from October 2026 to March 2027, spanning approximately six months. Sponsored by Tobu World Square Co., Ltd., this initiative aims to encourage travel across Japan’s World Heritage regions and deepen public understanding of these sites. Participation requires only a smartphone—no app installation is necessary.

Over 50 locations across Japan have been registered as stamp collection spots, including World Heritage component assets and visitor guidance facilities. By visiting these sites with a smartphone, participants can collect digital stamps. Collecting a certain number of stamps according to the rules will allow entry into prize lotteries (details to be announced later). Many of the registered spots are also designated benefit facilities for certified members of the World Heritage Certification program, allowing certified individuals to enjoy exclusive perks while participating.

※ Participation is open to everyone, regardless of certification status.

List of confirmed stamp spots as of July 2026 (additional spots may be added)

Sample stamp design (subject to change in design and color)

The World Heritage Certification program launched its first examination in 2006 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026. For the next decade, the Academy will adopt the theme 'From Classroom Learning to Action,' aiming to inspire people to visit World Heritage sites and engage in related activities. This digital stamp rally is one such initiative. The Academy believes that experiences gained on-site inspire people to share stories, re-learn, and deepen their understanding upon returning to daily life—creating a cycle of 'learning' and 'action' that fosters appreciation for global diversity.

Specific start and end dates, prize details, and required number of stamps will be announced on the dedicated website. The organizers hope this digital stamp rally will increase public interest in World Heritage sites and deepen understanding of valuable cultural and natural heritage.

Dedicated website: [URL to be announced]

About the Title Sponsor: Tobu World Square

Tobu World Square, one of the stamp rally locations, is a theme park where 102 famous architectural landmarks—including 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites—are meticulously recreated at a 1/25 scale. Based on extensive on-site research, the exhibits are recognized for their authenticity and quality, allowing visitors to experience a 'journey around the world' in a single day. The park offers unique experiences such as comparing the sizes of different World Heritage sites and viewing them from unusual angles, appealing to the intellectual curiosity of heritage enthusiasts.

[Tobu World Square Official Website] https://www.tobuws.co.jp/

World Heritage Certification

Organized by the World Heritage Academy and supported by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the World Heritage Certification aims to promote UNESCO’s ideals and expand participation in World Heritage activities. Since its first exam in 2006, over 400,000 people have taken the test, with more than 240,000 certified. The certification will mark its 20th anniversary in 2026. Exams are held four times a year at public venues and test centers nationwide, offering six levels: Grade 4, Grade 3, Grade 2, Pre-Grade 1, Grade 1, and the highest-level Master. Popular among people in their 20s, the exam attracts a wide range of test-takers from children to seniors and receives significant media attention. It is integrated into university admissions advantages and school curricula, and over 50 locations across Japan offer exclusive benefits to certified individuals. Many test-takers report that studying World Heritage has made travel more enjoyable, making it a popular choice for personal enrichment and lifelong learning. [World Heritage Certification Official Website] https://www.sekaken.jp/

NPO Corporation World Heritage Academy

Established to promote UNESCO’s ideals and multicultural understanding to expand World Heritage conservation efforts and contribute to society. Since 2006, the Academy has organized the 'World Heritage Certification' to educate the public about the World Heritage Convention and the value of heritage sites. A portion of examination fees is donated to UNESCO’s 'World Heritage Fund' to support preservation efforts. The Academy also conducts expert lectures, dispatches instructors to local governments and educational institutions, hosts cultural experience events at foreign embassies, organizes clean tourism events that allow participants to experience conservation activities, and offers architectural sightseeing tours of World Heritage sites. [World Heritage Academy Official Website] https://wha.or.jp/

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  • Category: Event