Abstract
Fake Historical Architecture and Disneyfication usually convey a detrimental meaning for the authenticity of historical areas, especially if considered from the mindset of Western preservationists. The paper aims to elucidate that both of these phenomena might be interpreted from a different angle in East Asian cultural contexts, where it could be more accurate to develop the term 'Staged Architecture' instead. Drawing on the fields of Urban Aesthetics and Architectural History and Theory, the research employs the concepts of Rhetorical Experiences and Urban Thematization to highlight the uniqueness of Staged Architecture and characterize its key features. To support this hypothesis, we examine Staged Architecture cases within three Preservation Districts in Japan, analyzing the perceptions and urban aesthetics evoked by the staged buildings, which are generally supported by local authorities and visitors. The study concludes by validating the term as an outstanding phenomenon. It discusses why understanding it from a neutral perspective is essential, as it reflects the character of aesthetics and social values in the East Asian context.
https://ror.org/00p4k0j84 
