Trained as a conservation architect and architectural historian; Dr. Nobuko INABA received her doctoral degree from the Tokyo Institute of Technology on the theme of the 19th century traditional architectural history of Japan dealing with the particular social phenomena of Europeanization, modernization and nationalism in that century.
She gained her practical knowledge and experience in heritage policy development and management while serving in the Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs and its affiliated research institute from 1991 to 2008 including the period from 2000 to 2002 while she worked for ICCROM seconded by Japan.
From 2008 to 2020, she held the position of Professor of World Heritage Studies at the University of Tsukuba.
Regarding the World Heritage Convention, since Japan ratified the Convention in 1992, she has been involved in the Convention's core activities as a member of the Japanese delegation to the World Heritage Committee sessions as well as a member / advisor of the Agency in charge of the nomination and conservation of World Heritage sites in Japan.
Continuing her domestic and international advisory role in heritage conservation, she is now Professor Emeritus at the University of Tsukuba.