Comparative study on intangible cultural heritage in East Asia

This study examines the formation background, classification systems, conser-vation practices, and contemporary challenges of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in East Asia, revealing its cultural diversity and inherent commonalities. It provides new perspectives and strategic recommendations for the preserva-tion, inheritance, and cultural exchange of ICH. The research methodology in-volves analyzing geographical, historical, and socio-cultural contexts of ICH backgrounds, comparing ICH classification systems and conservation mecha-nisms across East Asian countries, conducting in-depth comparisons of repre-sentative ICH projects, exploring shared challenges and national-level response strategies, and mapping the interactions between ICH in historical and modern societies. The findings indicate that East Asia's ICH formation is profoundly in-fluenced by geographical environments, historical-cultural origins, and so-cio-cultural concepts, with shared patterns yet distinct variations in classifica-tion systems. Representative projects demonstrate unique characteristics in performing arts, traditional crafts, and folk customs. Meanwhile, ICH faces chal-lenges such as globalization impacts, talent shortages, and fund-ing/technological gaps, prompting diverse national responses. This study offers innovative perspectives and practical approaches for the preservation, inher-itance, and cultural exchange of ICH in East Asia.