Intangible skills such as performing art including 'ningyojoruri' (Japanese traditional puppet show) and 'nogaku' (classical Japanese musical drama) or technique of arts and crafts including 'bizen yaki' (Japanese pottery produced in Okayama Prefecture) and 'chokin' (metalworking technique) are designated as important intangible cultural properties.
指定にあたっては、たとえば「人形浄瑠璃文楽」「能楽」のような芸能、「備前焼」「彫金」のような工芸技術といった無形の「わざ」を重要無形文化財に指定する。