This paper raises serious questions associated with recent statements released by the Japanese government concerning archaeological heritage management. One is an official advisory statement issued in 1995 by the Management and Coordination Agency, the other two are reports made in 1995 and 1997 by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. These statements were meant to remedy current problems involved in archaeological heritage management in Japan, where more than ten thousand archaeological excavations are carried out yearly at an expense of 125, 225, 340, 000 yen (approx. one billion U.S. dollars), with 97% of these being rescue excavations prior to the destruction of archaeological sites. Despite their original aim, the government statements have serious problems that might in reality lead to considerable destruction of archaeological sites. First, the 1995 advisory statement fails to specify who should be held responsible for the cost of excavations. Second, "the more efficient, standardized, and objective" mangement of archaeological heritages that the government calls for would in reality result in the destruction of archaeological sites without proper and scholarly excavations, and in the disposal of recovered artifacts without utilizing them for future empirical research and public education.
Archaeological excavations must be conducted by experienced people. Archaeological interpretation should be based on all the available data; when sampling is necessary, appropriate standards and procedures must be specified. As professional archaeologists, representing all those concerned with our cultural heritage, members of the Japanese Archaeological Association should establish and publicize clear ethical standards regarding archaeological excavations, as a contribution to the protection of archaeological sites for future empirical research.
