Okinoshima recommended for UNESCO heritage list; 4 other sites rejected

Dear UNESCO, please give everything in Japan a heritage stamp and be done with it.

Every Country is free to apply for as many sites as they like, don't mean all get listed.

Many countries got more sites listed than Japan.

First it's Olympic golf clubs, and now they want UNESCO to approve an island where women are banned. Give me a break...

Why doesn't japan just ask to be recognized in its entirety already? And will UNESCo be open to "alternate interpretations and opinions", or will it just fall under the usual sense of entitlement here?

Women can't be banned from any place, since it go against the constitution.

I don't think the constitution extends women's rights to things like this (entry to a religious establishment). I read that men have to strip off and get cleansed before entering. Could be interesting if some UNESCO bigwigs pay a visit.

The island of Okinoshima, midway between Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, upholds ancient rules restricting entry, including a total ban on women visitors..........

Of all the sacred islands in the Sea of Japan, the island of Okinoshima could well be the least family friendly. Fathers and Sons only.

A whole gang of women naked except for fox heads should invade the island.

I can imagine the conversation. "Why are you dressed like that?" "Well, we told a guy we were going to Okinoshima, and he said, 'Where the fox hat!', or at least I think that's what he said.

It seems there are a number of UNSESCO sites that ban women:

http://www.gounesco.com/heritage-including-women/

"We cannot accept"

maybe UNESCO could accept Japanese arrogance?

Women can't be banned from any place, since it go against the constitution.

Really? Me thinks you need to check a few things about Japanese tradition an culture. Women can and are banned, and not just here......how about a sumo dohyo, to name one.

women can not legally be banned from visiting Okinoshima only requested not to

Shure they can if the land is private property.

I can just see it:

UNESCO: Sorry, but these four sites aren't worthy of inclusion among recognized sites.

Onishi: Unacceptable! We don't accept that. The four are as unique as the four seasons are to Japan! Accept them you must, or...

UNESCO: Or what?

Onishi: Or we'll withhold our dues!

UNESCO: Your 'dues', as in money you owe... the money you haven't paid for years and held off paying when another country's properties were under consideration?

Onishi: Yes! Unacceptable! And you MUST accept the island, too!

UNESCO: Not until women are allowed to enter. Sorry. There is no place for that garbage in this era... not if you want to be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for people to visit.

Onishi: We don't need your recognition! Who wants it?

UNESCO: Ummm... you. That's why you're seeking status.

Onishi: Get out of here!

UNESCO: Out of our office?

Onishi: Unacceptable! I'm leaving! We'll give it national heritage status! You'll see! Tomorrow I'll be back with 100 more propositions!

Got to be in something the story missed or left out here. An island populated only by men. Association with water and nudity was mentioned in a comment. Sounds like a production set for those videos better left unmentioned.

Zichi you are wise enough to know what is the law is not acted apon in reality. Nod nod, wink wink is as good as a yes to a blind man.

zichi: "When it comes to Okinoshima men too are banned from visiting except for some period in May."

So, are women also allowed on the island for that one month, cause if not, what's your point?

don't tell Abe about Article 24 giving women equal rights, or he will also change that one too in time for the Olympics.

This document:

http://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/bunkazai/shokai/sekai_isan/suisenchu/pdf/suisensho_4_eng.pdf

states that it is a criminal offence with substantial penalties to visit Okinoshima without permission.

It sounds a little bit like Mount Athos in Greece, except that here only 200 men are allowed to visit once a year for a festival.