The division conducts surveys on newly discovered genres of intangible cultural heritage to provide basic information for policy formulation. The current state of each genre and its performers and the level of their skills are examined in detail to attain objective information which is needed to determine whether they are worthy of designation as important intangible cultural properties. The regular factfinding inspections on important intangible cultural properties are intended to check whether the statedesignated genres are properly handed down. Inspection results are reflected in government policies.