national treasure
Refers to a tangible or intangible cultural property designated as a National Treasure by the Japanese government under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Also used metaphorically for a person or thing of great value to the nation.
This Buddhist statue is designated as a national treasure.
He is like a national treasure of Japan.
The government designated this old temple as a National Treasure.
This Buddhist statue was designated a National Treasure during the Edo period.
He is a craftsman with skills on the level of a National Treasure.