Natsuko Akagawa is Assistant Professor of Asian Studies in the School of Social Sciences at the University of Western Australia.

This book examines how Japan's heritage conservation policy and practice, as deployed through its foreign aid programs, became one of the main means through which post-World War II Japan sought to mark its presence in the international arena, both globally and regionally. Japan's involvement in heritage conservation was intimately linked to its sense of national identity and national interest, in particular its desire to portray itself as a responsible global and regional citizen.

Introduction: Heritage Conservation in Global and Regional Cultural Diplomacy 1. Unpacking Heritage: Deconstruction and Construction of Heritage 2. National Identity, Nationalism and Japanese Identity 3. Japanese Heritage Conservation Approach and Authenticity 4. Japan in the Global Heritage Context 5. Intangible Heritage 6. Vietnam Case Study: Vietnam's Nationalist History and Japan's ODA to Vietnam 7. Vietnam Case Study: Can Chanh Palace and Nha Nhac Court Music in Hue 8. Conclusion: Japan a 'Cultural Nation'?