Shosoin, located in Todaiji Temple in Nara, is a building built to preserve ancient Japanese cultural assets and is highly regarded as a national treasure. Shosoin is said to have been built in the 8th century and is a crystallization of Japanese architectural techniques and culture of the time. The building was constructed in a unique architectural style known as “azekura-zukuri,” a technique of building with a combination of timbers that is believed to be durable, breathable, and suitable for preservation. Shosoin has served as a storehouse for Emperor Shomu's relics and valuables owned by the temple. Among them are many items used by Emperor Shomu and treasures donated by his wife Empress Komyo. The contents of the treasures strongly reflect the influence of cultural exchange through the Silk Road, not only with Japan at that time, but also with the Tang Dynasty (China) and Persia. For this reason, the treasures of Shosoin are also known as the “Treasury of the Orient,” and are an important source of information about the international connections of ancient Japan. Historically, Shosoin was a symbol of the Buddhist culture of the Nara period (710-794) and national governance centered on the Heijo-kyo Capital. Although there was a period after the Heian period when the power of Todaiji declined with the passage of time, the treasures of Shosoin miraculously escaped warfare and fire, and have remained intact to this day. Today, Shosoin is managed by the Imperial Household Agency, and some of its treasures are on display at the Shosoin Exhibition held every fall. This gives the general public an opportunity to experience the greatness of ancient Japanese culture and technology. Shosoin is not merely a historical building, but is widely known both in Japan and abroad as a symbolic presence for passing on Japan's cultural heritage to the next generation.