Whether noticed or unnoticed, heritage is an integral part of every human being's daily life. This concept, which originated mainly in the West, has become a matter common to all humanity, particularly since the creation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1945. Although a member of UNESCO since 1951, Japan did not ratify the 1972 World Heritage Convention until 1992. From then on, the Japanese approach broadened the concept of heritage, which would also become a real asset in the dissemination of Japanese culture.

The subject of this dissertation is therefore heritage, particularly from the Japanese point of view. In order to gain a better understanding of the issues surrounding heritage, we will take a historical approach to the concept, which was first disseminated in the West and then through UNESCO. Highlighting the key points used to define heritage assets, the study will then focus on the Japanese approach to heritage, tracing from its genesis and specific features to its impact on contemporary Japanese society.