Intangible cultural properties of special importance are designated as "Important Intangible Cultural Properties" by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Article 71, Section 1) (For further information, see the section on Important Intangible Cultural Property).
無形文化財のなかでも特に重要なものを、文部科学大臣は重要無形文化財に指定する（同法第71条第1項）（この点については重要無形文化財の項を参照）。