JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties, Tokyo

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat

International
Library ofWest Gate
Children’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall
◀ To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

National Science
MuseumTokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit

JR UenoStationUeno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art

N

Tokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:（JR Line）10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station（Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Ueno Station（Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Nezu Station（Keisei Line）15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: http://www.nich.go.jp/

2015
Outline of the National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage

○Membership

CONTENTSTokyo National Museum and Nara National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member system, while Kyoto National
Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association. We also oﬀ er “Friends of the Museum” and “Museum Passport” systems toencourage people to visit our museums more frequently. We welcome new members at any time of the year.

【Campus Members System】

Message
Ⅰ

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage���2

Ⅱ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ��5
１

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

Acquisition and Preservation of Museum Collections ��5▪Collection▪Conservation and Restoration
Dissemination of Traditional Culture �����������5

２▪Exhibitions▪Number of Visitors▪Educational Activities
３

Contributing to Museum Activities as a Central
Organization for Museums in Japan �����������6

４

Promoting Surveys and Research as a Core Research
Organization for Japan’s Cultural Heritage��������6

５

Promotion of International Cooperation Related
to the Protection of Cultural Properties ���������7

６

Collection of Reference Materials and Disseminationof Research Outcomes������������������7

７

Improving Cultural Property Protection
by Assisting Local Public Organizations ���������7▪Collaboration with Universities

Ⅲ

Activities of Each Institution����������������8
Tokyo National Museum �����������������8
Kyoto National Museum ���������������� 10
Nara National Museum����������������� 12
Kyushu National Museum ��������������� 14
National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo ��������������� 16
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties������������������� 18
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
��� 20

Ⅳ○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities available as unique venues for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences andExhibitions) events. From corporate parties to international conventions, the museum facilities can be used for a wide range ofactivities.

Reference Materials ������������������� 22
Directors / Special Advisory Board /External Evaluation Board
Number of Staff
Organizational Chart
BudgetIncome from External Sources

Information about Donation and Membership�������� 24
Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations
Membership
Venue Rental

Gala dinner party held at Heiseikan （Tokyo National
Museum）

Jewellry show and dinner held at the Kyoto National
Museum（Heisei Chishinkan Wing）

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 25

Message
SASAKI Johei
President
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) comprises the following institutions: four National Museums,
two National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties, and the International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI), which was established in 2011. This brochure presents an
overview of the activities being undertaken by these seven institutions.
These institutions are located in different parts of Japan; each has its own unique characteristics, and theactivities undertaken by each institution reflect the region in which it is situated. The Tokyo National Museum isa broadly focused museum located in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It takes a leading role in promoting Japaneseand Asian culture worldwide. The Kyoto National Museum showcases the unique culture that developed in Kyoto
over the course of its nearly 1,200 years as an imperial capital, from the eighth century to the nineteenth century.
The Nara National Museum plays an indispensable role in the preservation and interpretation of Buddhist culture,
while the Kyushu National Museum embodies a unique perspective that emphasizes Kyushu's status as a region
that historically has had extensive cultural exchanges with other parts of Asia. The National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo, disseminates to the world knowledge that is the fruit of both fundamental research andcutting-edge, high-tech scientific research relating to cultural properties. The Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties is an important center for wide-ranging research on society in ancient Japan. The International
Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) is an institution engaged
in promoting research aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in the region through international
collaboration.
While each of these institutions has its own important role to play, they also have a shared goal: – to contributeto a better understanding of Japanese traditional culture by preserving and researching cultural properties and byenabling as many people as possible to view these cultural assets under the best possible conditions and in thebest possible environments. The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage thus has the important task of supporting
the foundations of the administration of cultural property preservation in Japan.
The 25th General Conference of the International Conference of Museums (ICOM) will be held in Kyoto in 2019,and in 2020 the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games will be held in Tokyo.
The General Conference of the International Conference of Museums (ICOM) is a major international cultural
event which is held once every three years, with 3,000 museum professionals attending from around the world.
At a meeting of the ICOM Advisory Committee held in June this year, it was decided that the 25th ICOM General
Conference would be held in Kyoto. The holding of the ICOM General Conference in Kyoto represents a marvelous
opportunity for promoting greater awareness of Japan’s rich, multi-faceted culture and for furthering the effective,
proactive utilization of cultural properties. We will be doing our utmost to ensure that this event is a resounding
success, through close collaboration with the other participating organizations.
Along with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games, cultural programs will be held throughout Japan.
The aim of these cultural program is to demonstrate the power of not just sports, but also culture, to appeal topeople throughout the world. 2020 can provide an opportunity to foster, in every corner of Japan, the use of culture
as a bridge for communication with people in other parts of the world. The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
will be implementing a wide range of programs to help realize the goal of“putting culture and the arts at the heartof national development.”While recognizing the reality of government finances, it is our responsibility to make thepublic aware of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and to enable more people to view and learn about it,
since cultural heritage is intimately connected with our everyday life in contemporary Japanese culture.
Looking ahead, we at the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage will continue to carry out our work in fullawareness of the important role that has been entrusted to us. We look forward to your continuous support in the
future.

Ⅰ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Independent Administrative Institution (IAI) National Institutes for Cultural Heritage was formed in April of 2007 throughthe merging of the IAI National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum and Kyushu
National Museum) and the IAI National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), all of which share the same mission: theconservation and utilization of cultural properties. Subsequently, International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region was established in October 2011 pursuant to an agreement signed between the Japanese government
and UNESCO.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to preserve and utilize these properties
more effectively and efficiently under unified management, each of the seven existing institutions plays the following roles.

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

As Japan’s representative museum
in the humanities field, Tokyo National
Museum collects, preserves manages
and displays cultural properties fromacross Japan and other Asian regions,while also conducting research and pro
viding educational programs.

The Kyoto National Museum
collects, preserves, manages, anddisplays cultural properties, while
also conducting research andproviding educational programs. The
focus is on works from the Heianperiod to the Edo period. a time when
Kyoto was the capital of Japan.

Nara National Museum collects preserves, manages and displays Cultural
while also. conducting research andproviding education programs. The
focus is Buddhist art and the culturalproperties of Nara

Kyushu National Museum

National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo

Nara National Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo

The National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo, conducts research on Japanese cultural properties,
utilizing a variety of basic, advanced andpractical methods. In addition to actively
publicizing and utilizing the results ofthis research, as an International Centerfor Cooperation, the institute also facilitates global research into the protectionof cultural properties.

Located near the Nara Palace site,
the Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties is engaged in
excavation and research projects related
to the conservation and utilization ofCultural heritage such as sites. buildings
and gardens as well as cultural properties,
preserved at major temples and shrines in
the Nara and Kinki regions. The inst also
advises and also adv1ses and cooperates
with research projects conductied acrossJapan.

Kyushu National Museum collects.
preserves manages and displays cultural properties. while also conducting
research and providing educational programs.The focus is on cultural assets
s cultural exchanges
related to Japan’
with other Asian regions.

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region
We facilitate research for safeguarding endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the Asia-Pacific region,and collect and disseminate information
relating to international trends in thesafeguarding of ICH.

Tokyo National Museum

AccessInternational
Library ofChildren’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall◀To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
Station13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712

West
Gate

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Phone: +81-3-3822-1111

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art
Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit

JR UenoStationhttp://www.tnm.jp/

National Science
Museum

(JR Line) 10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station(Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line) 15 min. from Ueno Station(Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) 15 min. from Nezu Station(keise iLine)15min. from Keisei Ueno Station

Visitor Information

Hours: 9
 :30a.m. ~ 5:00p.m. (Last entry 30 Min. before closing)F ridays during Special Exhibitions (Apr. ‒ Dec.): Open until
8:00p.m.
Weekends and Holidays (Apr. ‒ Sept.) open until 6:00p.m.
Closed: M ondays*(*Open if a national holiday falls on Monday.
Closed on the following Tuesday instead)Dec. 24 – Jan. 1 for year-end holidays

2 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

Admission: Adults: 620 (520) yen
University Students: 410 (310) yen※( ) indicate prices for those in groups of 20 or more.
※Additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person are admitted free.
※Persons over 70 and under 18 are admitted free to regular exhibitions.
※Admission to regular exhibitions is free on International Museum Day (May18 or the following day if it falls on a Monday) and the Respect for the
Aged Day (the third Monday of September).

Kyoto National Museum
605-0931 Japan
Phone: +81-75-541-1151
http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

JR Kyoto
Station

Kintetsu
Kyoto Line

Kennin-ji
TempleHigasStre hioji
etKaw
Stre abata
et
Yam
atoo
Stre
ji
et

River

Kaw
Stre aramachietKarasuma
StreetShichijo
StreetKeih
Railwanay

Higashi Hongan-ji
TempleKamo

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

HokokuShrineKyoto National
Museumijo
Shichon
Stati

Gojo Street

Subway Karasuma Line

Horikawa
StreetAccessChishaku-in
TempleSanjusangendo
TempleJR Tokaido Line
Shinkansen Line

JR Nara Line

Transportation
By JR or Subway
Get off at Kyoto Station, From bus platform D1 take City Bus #100 or from bus platform D2, take City
Bus #206 or #208. Get off at “Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae” bus stop, in front of the museum.
By Keihan Railway
Get off at Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about seven minutes to themuseum.
By Kintetsu Railway
Get off at Tanbabashi Station and transfer to Keihan Railway From Keihan Tanbabashi Station take a
Demachyanagi-bound train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo (Nanajo)Street for about sevenminutes to the museum.
By Hankyu Railway
Get off at Kawaramachi Station. Walk east over the bridge to the Keihan Railway Gion Shijo Station.
Take on Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo(Nanajo) Street for aabout seven minutes to the museum.
Parking
The museum has limited parking at an hourly rate. Please use public transportation whenever possible.

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30-17:00
Special Exhibition Hours: 9:30-18:00, extended to 20:00 on Fridays(Admission ends 30 minutes before closing)
Closed on Mondays(When Monday is a national holiday, the museum remains open on
Monday and closes the following Tuesday.
Admission:

Nara National Museum

General: 520 (410) yen
University students: 260 (210) yen※Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more※Free admission for high school students and younger children

AccessTodaiji
TempleN
W

Himuro Jinja 卍
NaraShrinePrefectural
Office underpass

E
S
Kintetsu
Nara Station

50 Noborioji-cho, Nara City

Noborioji Street

Kohfukuji
Temple 卍
Sanjo Street

JR
Sta Naration

Nara Prefecture 630-8213
Phone: +81-742-22-7771
http://www.narahaku.go.jp/

KasugaTaisha Shrine

Nara National Museum卍

Gangoji
Temple(Kintetsu Line) 15 min. from Kintetsu Nara Station(City Loop Bus) “Shinai Junkan” from JR or Kintetsu Nara
Station to ”Himuro Jinja / Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan” bus stop

Visitor Information

The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall is closed for renovation from September 8, 2014
to April 2016 (scheduled).
Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)Open until 18:00: July 18-September 23 and March 1-11,13,14
	Open until 19:00: Fridays from the last Friday of April to September 18 (except for July 3,10,17), August 5-15, December 17, the fourth Saturday ofJanuary, February 3, and March 12
	Open 9:00-18:00 during the Shōsō-in Treasures exhibition period (open until 19:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays,and National Holidays)
Closed:	Mondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which casethe museum is open on the holiday and closed the day after the holidays),
New Year’s Day (January 1)

Admissions:

Adults: 520 (410) yen
University Students: 260 (210) yen※( ) indicates prices for those in groups of 20 or more※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Free admission (to all exhibitions) for disabled pass holders and one assistant※Free admission (to masterpiece exhibitions) for seniors (70 and older) andchildren (under 17 or high school students)※Free admission to masterpiece exhibitions on Children’s Day (May 5), International Museum Day (May 18 or the following day if it falls on a Monday), Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September), Kansai Culture
Day, On-Matsuri Festival Owatari-shiki parade, and Setsubun (February 3)

Kyushu National Museum

Access35

Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine4-7-2, Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, 818-0118
Phone: +81-92-918-2807

Nishitetsu
Dazaifu
StationNis
Da hitetzaif suuL
ine

http://www.kyuhaku.com/

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Closed on Mondays (except for National Holidays that fall on Mondays, in which case the museum is
open on the holiday and closed the following Tuesday), and during the Year-end holidays

The Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

Admission: Adults: 430 (220) yen
University students: 130 (70) yen※( ) indicate group prices (for paying visitors in groups of 20 or more)※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Free admission for individual with disability certificate and one caretaker※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) for individuals 70
years or older, under 18 years old, or who are high school students and below※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition on International Museum Day (May 18 or
the following day if it falls on Monday) and Respect for the Aged Day¯¯
Komyozenji
TempleKyushuNational
Museum76
Chikushino-Dazaifu LineBy rail:	Nishitetsu rail line: From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, takethe Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line to Nishitets Futsukaichi Station(approximately 13 minutes on the Limited Express, 17 minutes on
an Express train), and transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (approximately 5 minutes) and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
Approximately 10 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
*Please note that no extra charge is required for taking the Limited
Express or Express train.
Jr rail line:	From JR Hakata Station, take the JR Kagoshima Chuo Line (approximately 15minutes on the Rapid train) and get off at Jr Futsukaichi Station To get to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station it is approximately 12 minutesWalk or 5 minutes by bus.Take the Nishitetsu
Dazaifu Line and get off at Nishitetsu DazaifStation.
By car:	By Kyushu Expressway, approximately 20 minutes drive from either
Dazaifu I.C. or Chikushino I.C. via Takao Intersection. By Fukuoka Urban Expressway, a pproximately 20 minutes drive from Mizuki exit
via Takao Intersection
By taxi:	Approximately 15 minutes from JR Futsukaichi Station, or30 minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
 rom Hakata Bus Terminal (Bus Stop No. 11) take the bus
By Nishitetsu bus: F
to Dazaifu and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station (journey time is approximately 40 minutes). From the Station, it
is approximately 10 minutes walk t o the Museum.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 3

National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo
Access卍 Kaneiji

JR Uguisudani
StationtempleShinobugaoka
Junior High School

Ueno juniorHigh School

National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo

International Library ofchildren’s Literature(JR Line) 10 min. from the South Exit of Uguisudani Station,
15min. from the Koen
(Park) Exit of Ueno Station(Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line) 20 min. from Ueno Station(Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) 20 min. from Nezu Station(Keisei Line) 20 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

The University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

National Science
MuseumUeno park

National Museumof Western Art
Ueno Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

To Tokyo Station

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

Kuroda Memorial Hall

JR UenoStationhttp://www.toubunken.go.jp/↑←To Ikebukuro
StationPhone: +81-3-3823-2241

Park Exit

13-43 Ueno Prak,Taito-ku 110-8713

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
AccessNara facilities

Asuka and Fujiwara sites(Kintetsu Line) 10 min. from Yamato Saidaiji Station
to the institute and the Nara Palace Site Museum(Nara Kotsu Bus from JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations)
3 min. from Nijocho stop to the Nara Palace Site
MuseumVisitor Information●Nara Palace Site Museum
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Admission free; last admission at 16:00)
Closed: M ondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case the museum is
open on the holiday and closed the following day instead) and over the New Year period
Note: Free guided tours by volunteers available
hone: 0742-30-6735 (Collaboration Promotion Division)●Exhibition Room of Fujiwara Palace Site
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Free admission)
Closed: During the New Year period and exhibition renewal periods
 744-24-1122 Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations (Asuka and Fujiwara)
Phone: 0

Kashihara
jingo shrine←To Osaka
Abenobashi

Kintetsu
kashihara Line
Unebi goryomae
Sta.

To Kintetsu Nara→

JR-WestＮara Sta.

Omiya St.

←To Osaka

Route24

Kintetsu Kashihara Line←To Kashiharajingu-mae

Ichijo St

Shin Omiya
Sta.

To Sakurai→

Kashihara
Kintetsu Minami jingu-mae Sta.
Osaka Line

(Asuka/Fujiwara)

Mt Amanokaguyamaae

To Sakurai→

JR Sakurai Line

Fujiwara Department of Imperial
Place Site Palace Sites Investigations

Route 24

w
ga r
ka ve
su Ri

http://www.nabunken.go.jp/

Nara Lin

Miminashi
Sta.

A

Phone: +81-742-30-6733

Kintetsu

t
es ne
-W Li
JR sainKafecture 630-8577

SuzakuGate

Route 165
JR Unebi
Sta.

←To Takadazu

247-1 Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara Pre

Nara palace
East Palace
Site
GardenKi

Nara National
Research Institutefor Cultural
PropertiesTo

Y←T Said amatooa
Na Osak iji Sta
mb a
.
a

Kintetsu Osaka Line

Yamato←To Osaka Yagi Sta.
Uehonmachi←

Nara Palace
Site Museum

Former Imperial
Audience Hall
Excavation Site
Exhibition Hall

Route 169o→

To Kyot

Asuka HistoricalMuseumOkuyama kumedera
temple↓To Yoshino

Asuka Niimasu
Jinjya shrine

Yamadadera
temple(Kintetsu Line) 20 min.by taxi from Yamato Yagi Station
to the institute 20 min
by taxi from Kashihara Jingu Mae Station to the Asuka
Historical Museum
From either Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae Station or
Kintetsu Asuka Station. take the Kame Bus and get off
at the Asuka Historical Museum stop.
From JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station, take the Nara Kotsu
Bus and get off at the Asuka Historical Museum stop.

●Asuka Historical Museum
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Last admission at 16:00)
 ondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case the museum
Closed: M
is open on the holiday and closed the following day) and over the New Year period
Admissions:	Adults: 270 (170) yen
University Students: 130 (60) yen※( ) indicate prices for those in groups of 20 or more
※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person are admitted free※Persons under 18 years, and school students (up to and including highschool) are admitted free to regular exhibitions
Note:Guides available (free of charge, reservations required)
Phone: 0744-54-3561 Asuka Historical Museum

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region(IRCI)
AccessShin-osaka

http://www.irci.jp

4 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

City OfficeN
Koy ankaia LineNintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Bus Stop
Hakubutukan-mae

IRCI
Goryodori
Daisennishimachi2cho

Mikun

igaokaMozu

GoryomaePhone:+81-72-275-8050

JR Hanwa Lineshi

Sakai City, Osaka 590-0802

Osaka

Tennojiiga

Sakai City Museum, 2 cho Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku,

kaih
Sa

Hankai Line

Highway
Sakai Exit

To Namba

To Kansai
Airport●(JR Hanwa Line) 6 min. from Mozu Station(Nankai Bus) 4 min. from Sakaishi Hakubutsukanmae

Ⅱ Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Undertakings of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage include:

１ Acquisition and Preservation of Museum Collections
As core institutions involved in the preservation and transmission of history and traditional culture, each museum collects
objects according to its own individual collection policy to ensure that the accumulation of objects is systematically andhistorically balanced. We also work closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to actively promote donations and long-term loans
from private owners, utilizing the System of Enrolled Art Objects, for example, or improving the inheritance tax system to make iteasier to donate objects.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to pass on this heritage to future
generations, we make efforts to improve the environment for the works while working systematically to restore the objects, withthose requiring urgent treatment given priority. This work is carried out through the coordinated efforts of specialists in the fields
of conservation science and restoration technology, using both traditional techniques and modern scientific methods.

■Collection

We continually strive to collect cultural properties（through purchases and donations）with the aim of:（1）accumulatingcollections that are both systematically and historically balanced, and（2）preventing the dispersion of private collections andthe export of tangible cultural properties from Japan.
Furthermore, the four museums each accept long-term loans from temples, shrines and private collectors in order to further
enhance their own distinctive regular exhibitions.

■Conservation and Restoration

Tangible cultural properties preserved in museum collections need to be restored approximately once every 100 years. The
Institutes carry out two levels of conservation work: minimal treatments for general display and storage when necessary; andfullscale treatments, performed on a schematic basis in response to the condition of the object.

Number of Works in the Museum Collections
Total（Entries）

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu NationalＭuseum

Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
125,766130954

116,268

87

634

7,109

27

180

1,877

13

111

512

3

29

（Figures as of March 31, 2015）

Number of Works on Long-term Loan to the Museums（Entries）

Total

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Museum
Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
56
256 6,001
86
623 1,984
53
324
795
0
5
11,844 195 1,208 3,064（Figures as of March 31, 2015）

２ Dissemination of Traditional Culture
We disseminate information both nationally and internationally to promote understanding of the history and traditional culture ofJapan and other Asian regions. For this purpose, we hold attractive exhibitions and high-quality displays that reflect both visitor
needs and the latest academic trends. We are also constantly striving to improve our facilities and management to make ourmuseums more accessible and visitor-friendly.

■Exhibitions

Each museum holds its own distinctive regular and special exhibitions to provide opportunities for visitors to engage withtraditional art and archaeological objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We also collaborate
with overseas museums to hold exhibitions which introduce our respective cultures.

■Number of Visitors（Fiscal 2014）
Total

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

3,734,433

1,913,643

539,134

476,993804,663

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 5

Special Exhibition: The Age of Dramatic Interaction in East Asia: Between
Ancient Japan and Baekje (Kyushu National Museum) January 1–March 1, 2015

Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano（February 16-May 10, 2015,
The Philadelphia Museum of Art, United States of America）■Educational Activities

To promote understanding of the history and traditional culture of Japan and other Asian regions. we provide a variety ofeducational programs (such as lectures and workshops) in cooperation with schools and other educational institutions.
Futhermore we work with, universities to provide professional training and also support volunteer activities with the aim of further
improving our ur educational programs.

３ Contributing to Museum Activities as a Central Organization for Museums in Japan
We aim to play a leading role for museums in Japan while actively engaging with overseas museums and contributing tovibrant museum activities both within Japan and overseas. To achieve these goals, we are engaged in the following tasks:

The Eighth Director’s Meeting of National
Museums, Japan, China and Korea(Tokyo National Museum ; September 19,2014)① We widely disseminate the results of research into museum
collections and other areas through various media such as
publications and websites.
② We hold international symposiums with noted scholars from othercountries. We also send our staff members to research institutions
and international conferences overseas.
③ Together with other related institutions, we provide training programsfor museum professionals in such fields as conservation and restoration.
Through these activities, we contribute to the improvement ofconservation and restoration technologies both within Japan and abroad.
④ While taking into account conservation considerations, we
actively loan objects from our collections to public and private
museums so they can be seen throughout Japan. We are also
working to build a professional network through which we can offer
instruction. advice and information exchange to public and private
museums throughout Japan.

４ Promoting Surveys and Research as a Core Research Organization for Japan’s Cultural Heritage
Besides promoting surveys and research relating to various types of cultural properties, we also contribute to the developmentof knowledge and techniques necessary for ensuring the preservation of precious cultural properties and handing this heritage
down to future generations.

Reconstruction of the ceiling of Kitora
Tumulus

Shishi-mai (a lion dance) of Konori district,one of the revived performances (Onagawa,Miyagi Prefecture)

X-ray fluorescence analysis of mural
painting of the Takamatsuzuka Tumulus① We conduct a wide range of fundamental and systematic research on Japan’s cultural properties and the related culturalproperties of other nations. These include tangible cultural properties, monuments, cultural landscapes, and groups of historicbuildings. Our research also includes topics such as the transmission and presentastion of intangible cultural properties, aswell as the researchers who engaged in the study of japen’s ancient castle towns through the excavation of the Asuka.
Fujiwara. and Nara Palace Sites. Through this. we promote the development of methods for comprehensive research on
cultural properties, thus contributing to the establishment of a foundation for the protection and appraisal of cultural

6 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

properties by the govermment and local public organization.
② We conduct research and development aimed at establishing（1）techniques to produce digital images suitable forthe recording and analyzing of cultural properties and（2）methods for conducting research on archaeological sites ordendrochronology. Through this, we contribute to increasing and providing fundamental materials that will shed light on thecultural and environmental backgrounds of cultural properties as well as the changes they have come through.
③ We work to raise the quality of cultural property conservation and restoration through state-of-the-art research using the latest
conservation techniques, together with research into traditional restoration techniques and methods of manufacturing and utilization.
④ Ｗe work to raise the quality of cultural property conservation and restoration through state-of-the-art research using the latest
conservation techniques, together with research into traditional restoration techniques and methods of manufacturing and utilization.
⑤ We conduct systematic research into the collection, preservation, management and display of tangible cultural properties aswell as into other related educational activities. By promoting the conservation and utilization of these properties, we help toenhance Japanese culture and ensure that these assets are handed down to future generations.

５ Promotion of International Cooperation Related to the Protection of Cultural Properties
International collaboration is vital for the preservation of cultural properties, the common heritage of all humankind. We assist with Japan’s positive contribution in thisarea by strengthening coordination between domestic research institutes, undertaking international collaborative research with other countries, and implementing talentcultivation and technology transfer relating to the preservation and restoration ofcultural properties through the provision of training and the dispatching of experts towork overseas.
We undertake activities aimed at safeguarding endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the Asia-Pacific region, and endeavor to promote research. We also collect information relating to international trends in the safeguarding of ICH.

On-site training on the investigationof wooden buildings held at Bagaya
monastery in Innwa, Myanmar

６ Collection of Reference Materials and Dissemination of Research Outcomes
In addition to the collection .management and preservation of materials related to
Cultural Properties. we also work to provide wide access to information. research andstudies. For this reason. we promote activities such as（1）the digitalization of material
related to cultural properties,（2）the expansion of specialized archives,（3）theholding of public lectures and international symposia and（4）the improvement of each
institute’s website. We strive to deepen public understanding of research and studies
through the improvement of displays at public facilities such as the Nara Palace Site
Museum, the Fujiwara Palace Site Reference Room and the Asuka Historical Museumof the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.

The 9th Public Lecture at the
Department of Intangible Cultural
Heritage, National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties, Tokyo

７ Improving Cultural Property Protection by Assisting Local Public Organizations
We help to raise the knowledge and ability of individuals engaged in the protectionof cultural properties throughout Japan by（1）providing professional and technicalresearch-based assistance and advice to national and local governments and（2）releasing and utilizing information, knowledge, and technologies with regard to cultural properties. We also help to raise the ability of professionals who engage in theprotection of cultural properties, and to educate students and younger staff throughtraining programs for professional leaders or through collaboration with universities.

Joint lecture with the Graduate
School of Tokyo University of the Arts

■Collaboration with Universities○Tokyo University of the Arts: Preventive Conservation Course（Studies on Conservation Environment, Studies on Conservation
Materials）○Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University: Department of Cultural Coexistence（Cultural,
Regional and Historic Studies on Environment: Studies of Cultural Heritage）○Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Nara Women’s University: School of Comparative Culture (Department of Lectures on
Cultural History)○Graduate School of Humanities, Kobe University（Joint Lectures on Cultural Resources）

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 7

Ⅲ Activities of Each Institution
Tokyo National Museum
As Japan’s representative museum in the humanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions, while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

ZENIYA Masami
Executive Director
Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and has the longest history among any Japanese museums. Our collection comprises of more than 114,000 items, including many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We collect, preserve, restore and display tangible cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions. We also conduct research into these objects andpromote understanding of art through educational programs.
Currently at Tohaku (our nickname for the Tokyo National Museum), renovation work on the Heiseikanbuilding is underway. The thematic Exhibition Room reopened in April, and the Archaeology Gallery isscheduled to reopen in October.
Tohaku offers various events aimed at making the regular exhibition galleries as exciting and stimulating as possible for visitors. Following the New Year’s celebration in January and cherry blossom viewing events in the spring, last autumn the Museum also introduced a new event; “Journey Through Asia”. It
integrated exhibitions of masterpieces from the Toyokan (Asian Gallery) and received great reviews fromvisitors.
The Museum’s special exhibitions for 2015 began with “Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture from
Northern Japan”, and continue with “Indian Buddhist Art from Indian Museum, Kolkata,” “Masterpieces ofKosan-ji Temple: The Complete Scrolls of Choju Giga, Frolicking Animals,” “Cleopatra and the Queens ofEgypt,” “THE ART OF BVLGARI. 130 YEARS OF ITALIAN MASTERPIECES,” “The Great Terracotta Army ofChina’s First Emperor” and “Kuroda Seiki, Master of Modern Japanese Painting: The 150th Anniversary of
his Birth.”In addition to exhibitions, the Musuem also offers a wide range of different programs, including handson activities, guided tours, and workshops. Our hands-on art-making workshops for students help themdevelop a more in-depth understanding of cultural treasures.
Tohaku will continue its effort to making the Museum enjoyable to everyone, from children and adults
to overseas visitors.
We sincerely look forward to welcoming you to our museum.

■Exhibitions●Regular Exhibitions

The regular exhibitions comprise the core function of the museum’s exhibition activities, displaying works from the museum collection as well
as objects on loan to the museum. Exhibits are rotated periodically, with an approximate total of 300 rotations annually. In the fiscal year of
2015, 7,500 objects are scheduled for display. The regular exhibition galleries are outlined as follows:
HONKAN (Japanese Gallery): Features the Highlights of Japanese Art exhibition, which occupies the 2nd floor, providing an overview of Japanese art in chronological order from the Jomon to the Edo period. Exhibitions on the 1st floor are categorized bygenre and include sculpture and ceramics. Special exhibitions are also held in the Honkan building.
 isplays artworks and archeological artifacts from Asian countries excluding Japan.
TOYOKAN (Asian Gallery): D
HEISEIKAN: The Japanese Archaeology Gallery (1st Floor) features archeological objects such as bronze bells and haniwa clay ornaments
dating from the Paleolithic through to the Edo period; the Thematic Exhibition Room (1st floor) is used for thematic and educational displays. The Japanese Archaeology Gallery is closed for renovation work between December 2014 and October 2015.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: Exhibits are selected from over 300 cultural properties donated to the Imperial family by Horyuji temple inNara. Closed for building maintenance from May 20, 2015 to March 14, 2016.
HYOKEIKAN: In recent years, this gallery has been used as an occasional venue for special exhibitions. The building has been mostly closed
since January 2012.
Kuroda Memorial Hall: This building commemorates one of the most renowned modern Japanese painters, Kuroda Seiki, and displays his
works.
●Thematic Exhibitions

Thematic exhibitions focus on specific themes and are held as part of the museum’s regular exhibitions. The following are examples of thematic exhibitions scheduled for the fiscal year of 2015:
・Noh Masks: Representation of Women’s Faces (early July‒early October)・Objects Related to Early Christian Faith–Images of the Virgin Mary (early July–late August)・Walking together with Ippen Shonin (early November–early December)

Room 18, Japanese Gallery

Special exhibition Indian Buddhist Art
from the Indian Museum, Kolkata(March 17–May 17, 2015)

8 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

Specialist working on full restorationof a hanging scroll

●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held to present the outcome of our research activities and to meet visitor demands. The following are examples of special
exhibitions scheduled for the fiscal year of 2015:
・Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture from Northern Japan（January 14–April 5, 2015)
・Indian Buddhist Art from the Indian Museum, Kolkata（March 17–May 17, 2015)
・Masterpieces of Kosan-ji Temple: The complete scrolls of Choju Giga, Frolicking Animals（April 28–June 7, 2015）
・Cleopatra and the Queens of Egypt（July 11–September 23, 2015)
・THE ART of BVLGARI 130 YEARS OF ITALIAN MASTERPIECES（September 8–November 29, 2015)
・The Great Terracotta Army of China’s First Emperor（October 27, 2015–February 21, 2016)
・Kuroda Seiki, Master of Modern Japanese Painting: The 150th Anniversary of his Birth（March 23–May 15, 2016)●Overseas Exhibitions
・Ink and Gold: Art of the Kano（February 16-May 10, 2015, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, United States of America）■Acquisition, Preservation, and Restoration
The Museum seeks to create a comprehensive display of Asian culture with a focus on Japan through the acquisition of works of art by purchase, gift,
and loan.
We also carry out a variety of collection management measures to allow deteriorated objects to be safely exhibited in the future. These measures include enhancing gallery and storage environments, improving display and transportation methods, conducting collection assessment, as well as performing about 100 full restorations and 1,000 emergency treatments of works annually. We call these activities clinical conservation.

■Education
To provide a better museum experience for visitors, we offer opportunities for as many people aspossible to get to know the museum, and helps them to develop a more in-depth understanding ofJapanese and Asian culture.Through collaborations with schools and development of volunteer activities, we strive to establish a model approach for engaging museum projects and promote effective educational programs that reflect our role as a leading museum in Japan.
○Providing learning opportunities
Lectures, gallery talks, workshops, “behind the scenes” tours introducing the museum’s preservation and restoration work, and exhibition-related events○Educational thematic exhibits “Family Galleries”○Collaboration with schools
School programs (art appreciation programs, work experience programs, and programs for visually impaired students) Teacher training○Partnerships with universities
Campus Members System and internship programs for graduate students○Volunteer activities
Assist with educational and public programs and events, visitor information, guided tours, etc.

School program in progress

Tactile map operated by volunteers
to provide visitor information■Research
We conduct systematic research on cultural properties originating in Asia, with a focus on Japan.
Research outcomes are reflected in the museum’s collection, preservation and exhibition activities. Research is partially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and other grants for
cultural activities. Research conducted in 2015 includes the following:・Research on the creation of the Japanese dyed textiles collection and its art-historical values
・Research on the digital archiving of cultural treasures held in museum collections
・Special research projects on calligraphy and decorative art

Research work on metal crafts for aSpecial Research Project on traditional
handicrafts

Brief History

1872: Opened as the Museum of the Ministry of Education, on the occasionof Japan’s first public exposition held by the ministry in the Yushima
Seido, Tokyo.
1875: Transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The museum had eight
exhibition categories at this time: natural products, agriculture&
forestation, industrial technology, art, history, education, religion, andarmy andnavy
1882: Moved to the present location, a site formerly occupied by theheadquarters of kan’eiji tempru.
1889: Reorganized as the Imperial Museum under the supervision of theImperial Household Agency.
1900: Renamed the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum.
1909: Hyokeikan established.
1923: Former Honkan building destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake.
1925: Natural history collections transferred to the Tokyo Museum of
the Ministry of Education (present-day National Science Museum) andother institutions.
1938: Present Honkan building opened.
1947: Transferred to the Ministry of Education and renamed the National
Museum.
1952: Renamed the Tokyo National Museum.
1964: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (inaugural building) opened.
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Toyokan opened.
1999: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (current building) and Heiseikan
opened.
2001: Became the Independent Administrative Institution National Museums,
Tokyo National Museum.
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage as the Tokyo National Museum.

Facilities Land Aree（m2）
120,270（including the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Yanase Villa）
Building Area

Buildings
Exhibition Buildings

22,438Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

72,222
18,1997,836

HonkanBuilding Area
Exhibition Area

6,602
6,573

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

22,416
4,028

Toyokan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,892
4,250

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

12,531
1,373

Heiseikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,542
4,471

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

19,406
2,119

The Gallery of Horyuji
Treasures

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,935
1,462

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

4,031
291

※Currently Closed
Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,130
1,179

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,077
0

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

724
264

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
25

OthersBuilding Area

3,613

Gross Floor Area

9,765

Hyokeikan

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 9

Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational activities. The focus
is on cultural properties from the Heian period to the Edo period, a time when Kyoto
was the capital of Japan.
Kyoto served as Japan’s Imperial capital for over 1200 years, from the relocation of the capital in 794,
which marked the beginning of the Heian period, right through to the Meiji Restoration. The Kyoto National
Museum showcases numerous cultural assets that testify to the glory of the city’s cultural heritage, andpresents Japan’s traditional culture to the world through various activities. We will continue to work towards
the realization of the museum’s great mission of spreading awareness of Japanese traditional culture
throughout the globe. To this end, the museum strives to encourage people in all walks of life to take aninterest in and visit the museum. Our aim is to create a “people-centric museum” that is also a “museum withdeep roots in the local community.” We would like our museum to be a place for education, a place where people
can relax, a place for lifelong learning, and also a place that will attract both domestic and overseas tourists.
Our new Collections Galleries, the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, opened in September 2014. We anticipate that,when combined with the museum’s Special Exhibition Hall, the Meiji KotoKan, constructed in 1895, the newfacilities and functions of the Heisei Chishinkan Wing will help to make the Kyoto National Museum even more
popular with visitors.

SASAKI Johei
Executive Director
Kyoto National Museum■Exhibitions●Collection Galleries
The Collection Galleries in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, which opened in September 2014, include
thematic galleries for ceramics, archeological relics, paintings, calligraphy, decorative and appliedarts, and sculpture. The galleries showcase some of the finest pieces from the museum’s 13,000
collection works（including works on long-term loan）, and enable visitors to experience some of themost outstanding products of Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. The works on display are changed
periodically, so visitors can expect to see different items on subsequent visits.
●Special Exhibitions
Kano Painters of the Momoyama Period: Eitoku’s Legacy（April 7‒May 17, 2015）
・Rinpa: The Aesthetics of the Capital（October 10–November 23, 2015）

Pilgrimage through Minami-Yamashiro: Early Buddhist Art of Southern
Kyoto（April 22‒June 15, 2014）

Kyoto: Splendors of the Ancient
Capital（The opening exhibition of
the Heisei Chishinkan Wing）（September 13‒November 16, 2014）

Heisei Chishinkan

Masterpieces of Kosan-ji Temple: Commemorating the Restoration of the National
Treasure “Scrolls of Frolicking Animals andHumans”（October 7‒November 24, 2014）■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Since the museum’s establishment, numerous treasures from historical temples and shrines havebeen entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum. Meanwhile, the number of cultural properties in thecollection has increased yearly through purchases and donations, with a focus on art or archaeological items related to Kyoto culture. These cultural properties must be restored and preserved appropriately so that they may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties, the first comprehensive conservation facility for cultural properties inJapan, was established in 1980 to meet that need.

■Educational Activities

The Conservation Center for Cultural
Properties

We undertake a variety of activities via our exhibitions, our website, and outreach to schools, in order to help people learn more about the museum’s
exhibitions and collections, and to stimulate interest and concern for cultural properties.

10 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

○Activities held to enhance understanding of exhibition contents and exhibits
・The museum holds various lectures and seminars including the Saturday Lectures and Commemorative Lectures. It also operates the “Museum
Cart” hands-on experience booths（staffed by “Kyo-Haku Navigator” volunteers）, and organizes guided tours for elementary and junior high school
students（the Museum Children’s Club）, as well as distributing worksheets and explanatory sheets（the “Museum Dictionary”）to elementary andjunior high school students visiting the museum.
○Activities held to stimulate interest in cultural properties
・the museum organizes summer lectures, symposiums and other lecture events, as well as
arranging visits to elementary schools and junior high schools in Kyoto by “Cultural Property
Sommeliers” making use of high-resolution digital reproductions of important works of art（Cultural Heritage Familiarization Classes）,
and organizing workshops.
○The museum works closely with educational institutions, organizing collaborative events.
・T he collaboration between the museum andthe university sector includes the Campus
Members System, the giving of lectures on historical, cultural and sociological topics by ourcurators at the Graduate School of Human andEnvironmental Studies, Kyoto University, and“Museum Cart” activity（2014）
Buddhist Pilgrimage activity led by
the training of ”Cultural Property Sommeliers”（instructors who help people learn about thea Kyo-Haku Navigator（May 11 andcultural properties in the Kyoto National MuseMay 18, 2014）
um collection）.

■Research
Since 1979, the museum has been implementing an ongoing, comprehensive survey of cultural assets owned by shrines and temples in Kyoto andthe vicinity, with the researchers of the museum’s Curatorial Board playing a particularly active role. In 2013-14, we carried out a five-day survey ofcultural properties held at the Chion-ji Temple in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, making some exciting discoveries, particularly in relation to carvings. We have also
been undertaking an ongoing survey of paintings, calligraphy and handicrafts dating from the Early Modern and Modern eras from a collection housed
in a private residence in Kaizuka-shi, Osaka Prefecture. Some of these works have already been donated to the museum, and it is hoped that more may
be donated in the future. The museum also continues to undertake research on its collections; the research results are reflected in the museum’s displays and published in the Kyoto National Museum Bulletin.

Surveying artworks at Shūonan Temple

Rakugo at the Museum

Outdoor concert（Ontouge）■Other Activities○Rakugo at the Museum
As part of the museum’s efforts to create a “people-centric museum”, Kyoto National Museum has launched the “Rakugo at the Museum” project
whereby performances of rakugo（traditional comic storytelling which originated in Kyoto）are held several times a year, highlighting seasonal themes.
Other concerts are also being planned.

Brief History

Facilities

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Kyoto under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Agency Ｍinistry
1897: First exhibition held
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Kyoto
1924: Donated to Kyoto City; renamed as the Imperial Gift Museum of Kyoto
1952: Transferred to the national government; renamed as the Kyoto National Museum
1966: Establishment of the Collections Hall
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1969: The Special Exhibition Hall, Main Gate, ticket booth and fences aredesignated as an Important Cultural Property under the name of theFormer Imperial Museum of Kyoto
1973: The Saturday lecture series starts
1980: The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties established
2001: The South Gate constructed as part of the 100th Year Anniversary
Hall construction project（tentative name）
2001: Transformed into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Museum, Kyoto National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as Kyoto National Museum
2009–Reconstruction begins on the former Collection Hall
2013–Construction of Heisei Chishinkan Wing（new Collection Hall）is completed in August
2014–Heisei Chishinkan Wing is scheduled to open in September

Land Area

2

（m ）
			

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

13,517Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

53,182
31,828
5,657
5,421

Special Exhibition Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

3,015
2,070

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

3,015
803

The Collections Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,568
3,587

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

17,9972,710

Administration Building

Building Area

590

Gross Floor Area

1,954

Materials Building

Building Area

414

Gross Floor Area

1,125

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties
Building Area

728

Gross Floor Area

2,856Technical Materials
CenterBuilding Area

101

Gross Floor Area

304

East Repository

Building Area
1,084
			

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
1,412

North Repository

Building Area
310
			

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

682
496

OthersBuilding Area

Gross Floor Area

1,899

1,707

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 11

Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties,
while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus is on
Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara.
Since its opening in 1895, with the cooperation of temples and shrines of the Nara region, the Nara
National Museum has been engaged in collecting, preserving, and conducting research and educational
programs on cultural properties mainly associated with Buddhism. Through these activities, the museum has
introduced to the public the high artistic value and historical background of Japanese Buddhist culture, uniquein its fusion with indigenous beliefs. Keeping in mind that various cultural properties are tied together in an
organic whole with the historical and cultural landscape of Nara, we will continuously strive to promote themuseum’s international activities and the more effective use of information technology in order to reach a wide
range of people as a conveyor of Nara’s culture.

■Exhibitions●Buddhist Art Exhibitions

YUYAMA Ken'ichi
Executive Director
Nara National Museum

As well as special exhibitions and feature exhibitions, the museum also exhibits distinguished masterworks of
Buddhist art including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The Nara Buddist Sculpture Hall features ”Masterpiece Exhibition”, which displays exceptional Buddist statues representative of the history of Japanese sculpture from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, dating from around the 7th
century to the mid-14th century. The West Wing houses ”Masterpiece of Buddhist Art” whichintroduces theessence of Japanese Buddhist art through selected items of painting, decorativeart,calligraphy and artifacts. In
addition, thematic exhibitions from the permanent collectionareoccasionally held for themes that lie outside a
specific genre.

●Feature Exhibitions
Feature exhibitions are medium-scale exhibitions organized to explore a specific theme.
・Master Works in Wood by Three Generations in the Kiuchi Family: Kihachi, Hanko and Shōko (June 2–28, 2015)
・On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga (December 8, 2015-January 17, 2016)
・Treasures of Todaiji’s Omizutori Ritual (February 6-March 14, 2016)●Special Exhibitions
・Ancient Sutras from the Heian Period: Encountering the Legendary Kunōji Sutras (April 7-May 17, 2015)
・Special Exhibition: Celebrating the 120th Anniversary of the Nara National Museum: Hakuho, The First Full Flowering of Buddhist Art in Japan (July18-September 23, 2015)
・The 67th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures (Late October-Early November, 2015) (Tentative)

Special Exhibition: The Buddhist
Icons of Kamakura: Realism and Exoticism(April 5–June 1, 2014)

Special Exhibition: Commemorating
the National Treasure Designationof 70,000 Historic Documents andSacred Texts of Daigoji Temple: The
Universe of Daigoji – Esoteric Buddhist Imagery and Sacred Texts

Special Exhibition: Commemorating
the 80th Birthdays of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress: The
66th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in
Treasures(October 24-November 12, 2014)(July 19 – September 15, 2014)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration ofCultural Properties
We strive to collect tangible cultural properties, which are valuable assets for the people of Japan,
by purchase, donation and loan.
We work to maintain the environment for our collections with meticulous care, by constantly
controlling the temperature and humidity in our exhibition and storage areas.
Most Japanese cultural properties are made of extremely fragile materials such as paper andwood. Therefore, the museum must take proactive steps to preserve these objects for future
generations. For this reason, in 2002 we established the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties
to Conservation of lacquer by restorers handle restoration projects.

12 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

Fabric restoration work on the
Important Cultural Property Fugen
Enmei (Vajrāmoghasamayasattva),
from the Museum’s own collection

■Educational Programs
We promote a variety of educational programs to increase the understanding of the importanceof cultural properties.
①Collection and distribution of information and materials concerning cultural properties②Programs for students Ex: World heritage classes for fifth graders in Nara City schools andeducational lectures for teachers③Lectures and seminars Ex: Public lectures, Sunday museum talks, summer seminar series, theShōsō-in academic symposium, and international symposia④Cooperation with universities and colleges Ex: Campus Members System, internship programs,interview classes at the Open University of Japan, and joint lectures with Nara Women’s University and Kobe University⑤Promotion of volunteer activities

Guided tour of the Research Center
for Buddhist Art Materials (with volunteer guides from the museum’s
Support Group)■Research and International Activities
We consider research into cultural properties to be the most important activity supporting thefoundations of the Nara National Museum as a research institution. Reflected in the museum’s
masterpiece exhibitions and special exhibitions, the results of research are utilized in our exhibition activities. In fiscal year 2015 the Nara National Museum will conduct the following thematic
research:①Research on collection items, items on loan to the museum, and related items②Research on Buddhist paintings using advanced optical technologies for the creation of reproductions③Comprehensive research on the Heian period Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra④Comprehensive survey of Buddhist arts and crafts⑤Research on artifacts excavated from kofun tumuli and from ancient tombs⑥Research to accompany special exhibitions, etc.
⑦Research on the art of sculpture in ancient and medieval Nara
⑧Research on Buddhist art using optical technologies, conducted in collaboration with the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo.
⑨Research into the effects on cultural properties of storage area environments, exhibition spaces
and display cases⑩Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum, from the perspective of cultural asset restoration⑪Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum, from the perspective of conservation science⑫Research to contribute to educational programs in history and traditional culture,

Summer Lecture: The Daigo-ji Temple and the Esoteric Buddhism ofNara in progress

Survey work undertaken in preparation for the holding of the special
exhibition “Hakuho, The First Full
Flowering of Buddhist Art in Japan”

Photography of cultural properties

Brief History

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Nara under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Ministry
1895: First exhibition held
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Nara
1914: Establishment of the Shōsō-in Department
1947: Supervision transferred to the Ministry of Education
1950: Affiliated with the National Commission for the Protection of Cultural
Properties
1952: Renamed as the Nara National Museum
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1972: Completion of the West Wing
1980: Establishment of the Buddhist Art Library
1995: Celebration of the museum’s centennial anniversary
1997: Completion of the East Wing and the lower level passageway
2000: Completion of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties
2001: Becomes the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum,
Nara National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as the Nara National Museum

Facilities

（m2）

Land Area				

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

6,769

			
			

Gross Floor Area

78,76019,116

Exhibition Area Total 4,079
Repository Area Total 1,558

Nara Buddhist Sculpture
Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

Ritual Bronzes Gallery

Building Area
Exhibition Area

East Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,825
875

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

6,389
1,394

West Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,649 Gross Floor Area
1,473		

5,396

1,512
1,261

Gross Floor Area

1,512

341 Gross Floor Area
470		

664

Buddhist Art Library

Building Area

718

Gross Floor Area

718

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties

Building Area

319

Gross Floor Area

1,036

Lower Level
Passageway

Gross Floor Area

2,152

Repository Area

164

405

Gross Floor Area

1,249

OthersBuilding Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 13

Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus ison cultural properties related to Japan’s cultural exchanges with other Asian regions.
Kyushu, the westernmost main island of Japan, which is situated close to continental Asia, has been
the stage of vibrant exchanges of people and objects since ancient times. Delegations from overseas werewelcomed at the Dazaifu Government Office, which was situated near the museum’s current location. Thishistorical background, and the aspirations of the people of Kyushu, led to the establishment, in 2005 in Dazaifu
City, Fukuoka, of a national museum that focuses on the development of Japanese culture in relation to thesurrounding Asian regions. This year, the Museum will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its founding.
The Museum has now received a cumulative total of over 12 million visitors since it first opened. The last
few years have seen a pronounced increase in the number of visitors from China, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.
In the future, the Museum will continue to carry out a wide range of research work and other activities aimed atfurthering mutual understanding between Asian cultures, while also striving to be a museum that is relevant to,and of value to, the local community.

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
Executive Director
Kyushu National Museum■Exhibitions●Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

In order to provide our visitors with opportunities to experience new works each time they visit, the Cultural Exchange Exhibition holds the Feature Exhibitions which change periodically. We also strive to create more dynamic andin-depth exhibitions through the usage of videos and hands-on displays.

●Feature Exhibitions（Thematic Exhibitions）

We also feature creative displays based on regionally specific themes in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition. Thematic
exhibitions scheduled for fiscal year 2015 are as follows:
・The Dazaifu viewed by Prince of Silla（September 22‒November 29, 2015）
・Image of Prayers: Hachiman（February 22‒March 13, 2016）

Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are based on themes approached from various viewpoints through distinguished objects fromJapan and around the world. As a place to admire beauty and enjoy the learning experience, our aim is to provide
exhibitions that both newcomers and experts can enjoy alike. Special exhibitions scheduled for fiscal year 2015 are
as follows:
Sengoku Daimyo‒16 th century Warlords’ Rivalry in Kyushu over billowing Asian seas (April 21‒May 31, 2015)
The British Museum Exibition: A History of the World in 100 Objects (July 14‒September 6, 2015)
Japan, Country of Beauty (October 18‒November 29, 2015)
Afganistan Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul (tentative title) (January 1‒February 14)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties●Collection
All-Japan High School Archaeological Legacy（ July 15 –September 23, 2014）

The Museum puts an emphasis on collecting artifacts such as artwork, archeological materials, historical
documents and folk materials that help visitors more easily understand the cultural exchanges between Japanand the rest of Asia. Moreover,in an effort to further improve displays and exhibitions, we proactively invite variousorganizations, temples, shrines and individuals to lend or donate their cultural properties to us.

●Preservation

Treasured Masterpieces fromthe National Palace Museum,Taipei（October 7–November 30, 2014）

The “storage rooms” of the Museum are where important cultural properties are preserved and stored. They arelocated in the heart of the building and the box-like space features a double walled structure. The air conditioning
facilities also utilize a constant temperature humidistat, which allows the temperature and humidity of the storage
area to be maintained at a stable level. Additionally, the walls and ceiling of each storage room are made from Kyushu
cedars, which help ensure an appropriate humidity level even if air conditioning facilities fail. The Museum installed
the “seismic isolation structure” to prevent cultural properties from toppling over during earthquakes. One uniquefeature of the seismically isolated building, compared to installing seismic isolation devices above ground, is that thebuilding does not receive direct impact in the event of an earthquake. The building thus sways slowly and this helps
protect the cultural properties.

●Restoration

The six conservation and restoration facilities at the Museum（respectively specializing in: the production of paperand other materials used for repair; historical materials, calligraphy and documents; paintings; sculptures; archaeologicalartifacts; and lacquerware）work in collaboration with the Museum’s Science Division, combining traditional methods
with scientific research technology. The staff, well experienced in the restoration of Japan’s designated culturalproperties, conduct projects actively through discussions with curators from fields such as history, art, decorative
arts, archaeology and other related areas. The latest technological equipment such as fluorescent X-ray analyzing
devices and X-ray CT scanners are also utilized in the scientific analysis of cultural properties to be restored.

14 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

■Educational and Exchange Activities●Educational Activities① Interactive Exhibition Gallery “Ajippa” showcases the various cultures of regions that had historically interacted with Japan. Other efforts include
areas such as educational kits development, visitor experience programs, and collaborative programs with other educational institutions.
② Educational programs in association with special exhibitions and the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition)
・Programs to improve exhibition understanding
・Conducting of workshops
・Production of guidebooks③ “Kyupack” - educational kits to be used in secondary schools④ Campus Members System to strengthen ties with universities and other higher educational institutions⑤ Educational activities based on “Kyushu National Museum’s picture books” for children⑥ Supporting volunteer activities
We encourage various volunteer activities at the museum in areas including exhibition explanations,educational programs, guided tours（including behind the scenes ”Backyard Tours”）, the environment,
events, and Data compilation.

Volunteer Program: Kyushu
National Museum Children’s
Festival●Exchange Activities① Implementing exchange projects in cooperation with local enterprises for more effective utilization of museum facilities.
② Promoting exchange among Asian museums
・Conclusion of cultural exchange agreements with the Buyeo National Museum（Korea）, the Gonguju National Museum（Korea）, The Korea National
University of Cultural Heritage, the Nanjing Museum（China）, the Museum of Inner Mongolia（China）, Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange, the Vietnam National Museum of History, the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture（Thailand）③ Hosting international symposia
Symposium: Arita in Global Perspective – The Arita-ware Tradition, and the Creativity that will Enable it to Continue into the Future（March 8, 2015）■Research and Survey Activities

Research and surrey Activities

The results of research concerning our main theme of “Cultural Exchange between Japan and AsianCountries” and scientific research on conservation and restoration of cultural properties are actively utilized
for our collection, preservation and exhibition activities. Part of our research is financially supported by thegovernment-funded Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（KAKENHI）and other private grants for culturalactivities.
・Technical and structural analysis of bronze vessels, sculpture and lacquer ware etc. through X-ray CT
scanner data
・Fundamental research on the Tsushima’s So clan and *** during the medieval and early modern periods
・Collation and publication of details of Khitan tomb murals – Research on the visual understanding of thestate formation process in East Asia after the collapse of the Tang Empire
・Research on the preservation and effective utilization of underwater archeological sites
・Ongoing, development-oriented field research on traditional craftspeople in Kyushu and Okinawa, buildingon the results achieved by the Special Exhibition “Craftworks of Today in Kyushu and Okinawa: Tradition
and Creation” held in 2008
・Basic research on building a Citizen-cooperative IPM system as a means to Museum Risk Management■Publications
The museum produces publications to promote a wider understanding of our activitiesi） Tofu-seisei（Research Bulletin）: This bulletin summarizes the results of the Museum’s investigative research efforts（published annually）
ii） Asiage（Visual guide）: A guide providing information on Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) in an accessible format
	Asiage（Quarterly magazine）: An information magazine focusing on the Cultural Exchange Exhibition and special exhibitions（released quarterly)iii）iv）	Picture Book Series: The Museum produces original picture books for children about Japanese history format to encourage understanding andfamiliarity.

Brief History

1994: The Agency for Cultural affairs（ACA）organized the “committee toinvestigate the establishment of a new concept-based museum (theCommittee)”.
1996: ACA decided the new museum should be established as the Kyushu
National Museum（provisional title）in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
1997: The Committee drew up the “basic framework for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
1999: The Committee made the “basic plan for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
2000: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion
Foundation（the Foundation）jointly formulated the “basic construction
design” for the Museum.
The ACA and Fukuoka Prefecture jointly organized “experts conference
for the establishment of Kyushu National Museum (provisional title)”
developed the “permanent exhibition plan”.
2001: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly completed the “basic exhibition design”.
The Independent Administrative Institution National Museum (the National Museum) established the “preparatory office for the establishment of the Kyushu National Museum”.
2002: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly launched the “construction works (the first year of a three-year plan)”.
2003: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture launched the “preparation of the exhibitions (the first year of a two-year plan”.
2004: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation completed the “construction works”.
ACA, the National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture officially named
the Museum as “Kyushu National Museum”.
2005: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture completed the “prepara-tion of the exhibitions”.
The National Museum formally established the Kyushu National Museum.
Kyushu National Museum opened to the public on 16 October.
2007: The Kyushu National Museum was merged into the IAI National Institutes for Cultural Heritage（NICH）.
2008: Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held at the Kyushu
National Museum.
2012: Kyushu National Museum welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
2015: 10th anniversary

Facilities
Land Area
Building（m2）
NICH
Building Area
NICH

Exhibition and Reposito- Exhibition Area Total
Prefecturery Area
Repository Area Total
Prefecture

10,798
14,623
9,300
5,444
1,375
4,518
1,335

Prefecture

166,477
155,679

Gross Floor Area
Prefecture
Shared Area

30,675  5,780
15,595NICH 3,844
Shared Area 225
NICH 2,744
Shared Area 439

The land and buildings are co-owned by Fukuoka Prefecture and the institution.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 15

National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo

KAMEI Nobuo

The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, in its role of supporting the work of thegovernment in the administration of cultural properties, conducts fundamental, systematic, up-to-date andpractical research on diverse types of cultural properties. Furthermore, it actively disseminates the resultsof such research, provides guidance and advice to local public organizations, and makes an international
contribution by assisting neighboring countries with the conservation and restoration of cultural properties.
The three priority areas on which the Institute is focusing particularly in its survey and research work
are outlined below: Firstly, the Institute is working to build up comprehensive cultural properties archives
from the research results, basic databases and source materials that the Institute has collected over theyears. Secondly, in the conservation and restoration field, the Institute promotes coordinated projects with
the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, of which the Institute forms a part, with respect to surveys andresearch relating to the preservation, restoration and publication of museum materials. Thirdly, in relation tointangible cultural heritage, the Institute collects basic data and materials, mainly on folk performing arts andfolk techniques, and makes them available to the public.
With regard to international cooperation, the head office of the Japan Consortium for International
Cooperation in Cultural Heritage, a collaborative organization for promoting coordinated and effective projects,
has been established ties, or cultural heritage, outside of Japan, such as historical remains and architecture.

Director General
National ReseachInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo■Organization●Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems
The Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems is responsible for the information systems for the entire institute and the institute’s public relations. In order to further
the archiving of research on cultural properties, it also collects, stores and organizes materials
and images concerning cultural properties and makes them available to the public, and also
promotes effective dissemination of information. It is simultaneously engaged in investigating
research issues in art history and aims to establish a new discipline in the field of art referencematerials.

Examining the National Treasure, Mahamayurividyarajni (jpn: Kujaku Myo-o),Tokyo National Museum●Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage conducts basic research useful for theconservation and transmission of Japan’s intangible cultural heritage, which includes intangible
cultural properties, intangible folk-cultural properties, and techniques for preserving culturalproperties. Audiovisual documentation, a significant Method for the conservation of intangible
cultural heritage, is conducted and new methods of documentation are also investigated.

Recording of rakugo “Kajikazawa,” by Mr.
HAYASHIYA Shojaku●Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques
The Center for Conservation Science and Restoration Techniques uses scientific methods tostudy and evaluate environmental conditions and characteristics of cultural properties. It also
conducts research into materials, manufacturing techniques and the surrounding conditionsof cultural properties in order to develop and evaluate necessary materials and techniques fortheir restoration, and develop methods for their maintenance after restoration. Moreover, thecenter works closely with those who are actually engaged in the conservation and restorationof cultural properties and their owners.

Research on the colors used in the “InoMaps,” the first complete geographicalsurvey maps of Japanese coast, made by
INO Tadataka●Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation renders assistance to various
countries in Asian and other regions of the world through the conservation and restoration
projects of cultural heritage including technical transfer and human resource development.
It also promotes the cooperative networks with other relevant institutions, domestic andinternational, by organizing seminars and meetings. Collection and dissemination of information
on cultural heritage and its protection systems is another important task of the Center.
The center is commissioned with the management of the secretariat for the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

Survey of works in the collection of the
Manggha Museum of Japanese Art andTechnology in Krakow, Poland

16 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

■Seminars, Advice and Guidance
The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo conducts various seminars and provides advice and guidance for the protection
and utilization of cultural properties. Seminars and projects include International Courses on Conservation of Japanese Paper, Training for Museum
Curators in Charge of Conservation, Advice on safeguarding Intangible Cultural Properties, Inspection Assistance and Advice on the Museum
Environments, and Investigation and Advice Concerning Conservation of Cultural Properties.

International Course on Conservationof Japanese paper

Training for museum curators incharge of conservation■Graduate School Education and Public Lectures
The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo provides the results of its research to the public in
the hope of nurturing the next generation of experts and raising public interest. The institute has collaborated with
the Tokyo University of the Arts since 1995 and is in charge of its Preventive Conservation Course. In the public
lectures, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems, and the Department of Intangible
Cultural Heritage present their research achievements every year.

■Dissemination of Research Information

Leaflet for the 48th Public Lecture

The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo is engaged in
actively communicating with the public and making the results of its diverse activities
accessible, including those of research and international cooperation. Publications
such as the Annual Report, Leaflet for the 8th Public Profile and TOBUNKENNEWS
are published, and the website of the institute is updated constantly

TOBUNKEN Resear ch
Collections（http://www.
tobunken.go.jp/archives/）■Publications
The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo publishes periodicals such as The Bijutsu Kenkyu (The Journal of Art Studies), Yearbook of Japanese Art, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Science for Conservation. It also publishes the results of various additional research studies

Yearbook of Japanese Art

Brief History

Research and Reports
on Intangible Cultural
Heritage

1930: Established as the institute of Art Research. an auxiliary organizationof the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts
1947: Affiliated with the national Museum
1950: Affiliated with the national Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Reorganized and renamed as Tokyo Research Institute of Cultural
Properties
1954: Renamed as Tokyo national Institute of Cultural Properties
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
2000: Construction of new offices
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institute National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties Tokyo
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as National Research Institute for
Cutural Properties.Tokyo

Science for Conservation

Facilities
Land Area
Building（m2）		
Building Area
Gross Floor Area

4,181

2,258
10,516

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 17

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an organization that engages in the study of tangible cultural heritage, has conducted excavation research at the Nara and Fujiwara Palace sites, investigatedcultural objects（such as historical documents, ancient architecture and gardens）and has also made efforts
to preserve the Asuka region through its research and exhibition programs. These activities contribute to academic exchanges, international support and the study of cultural heritage in Japan and abroad. For example,
they have resulted in ongoing joint research partnerships with institutes in China and Korea. We also endeavor
to develop new excavation technology and research methods as well as to provide technical training for local
government specialists.
Our methods of preservation, restoration and maintenance that we developed to protect historical sites are
not only appreciated by researchers in Japan, but are also utilized in excavations globally. Our research activities are supported by our own interdisciplinary joint research in different fields. It is our responsibility to maximize the results of our efforts in the research and preservation of cultural properties.

MATSUMURA Keiji
Director General
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties●Department of Planning and Coordination
The work of the Department of Planning and Coordination is assigned to five sections: the Planning and Coordination Section, the Data and Information Section, the International Cooperation
Section, the Exhibition Section and the Photography Section. These sections plan and organize
professional training programs for cultural heritage workers at local government agencies and other organizations, organize data systems and enhance related databases, arrange international joint
research projects and engage in international cooperation on archaeological sites, exhibit research
results at the Nara Palace Site Museum, and carry out photography and the development of newtechnology.

Nara Palace Site Museum Autumn
Special Exhibition●Department of Cultural Heritage
The Department of Cultural Heritage consists of the Historical Document Section, the Architectural History Section, the Cultural Landscape Section and the Site Stabilization Section. Thesesections conduct specialist and comprehensive research in the following areas respectively: calligraphy, ancient books and historical documents; historical and traditional architecture; culturallandscapes; and the maintenance of archaeological sites and historical gardens. The research
activities conducted by each section contribute, in a practical manner, to governmental activities
concerning the protection of cultural properties, such as the designation, selection, registration,conservation and management of properties. The Department also collaborates with, and provides
advice for, local public entities in regard to cultural property administration.

Survey of Ancient Materials in the
Kondo Main Hall Of the Horyuji Temple●Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
The Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations is organized in five sections: the Archaeology Sections 1, 2 and 3, the History Section, and the Architectural Feature Section. These sections undertake interdisciplinary research on the basis of archeological excavations of ancient palaces, temples, tombs located in the Heijo area and in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. The research
results are publicized through presentations, reports and exhibitions; this research also contributes
to the preservation and effective utilization of these archeological remains.

【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Heijo）】
This Department is in charge of excavation research at the Nara Palace Site (Special HistoricSite), where the imperial palace and government offices were located in the Nara period（710-784）.
Systematic research has been in progress since 1959 and over one-third of the 130 hectare site
has been excavated and surveyed so far. The finds from excavation at the sites of the palace andancient temples, such as architectural remains, wooden strips（used for writing messages on）,
earthenware vessels and ceramic tiles, have been verified with reference to historical records; thisempirical research on the Nara period undertaken by the Department has won widespread plaudits.
The Department also provides the results of its research on the Nara Palace Site to the Ministryof Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism（MLIT）as basic data to support the maintenance ofthe national Nara Palace Site Historical Park.

Survey of the area around Minami
Ichijo-oji （South First Avenue） in
front of the Saeki Gate of the Heijo
Palace（Imperial Palace）【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Asuka and Fujiwara）】
The Department is in charge of excavation research on the Asuka and Fujiwara area that constituted Japan’s political, economic and cultural center during the period between the 7th and early
8th centuries when the Japanese state was coming into being. The sites in the Asuka district
include: palaces and the residences of elite clans; the sites of temples such as Asukadera temple（the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan）; a workshop that produced ancient coins and glass; a water clock; and various tombs. To the north lies the site of the Fujiwara capital, the first large-scale
castle city in Japan, covering a vast area of more than five square kilometers. The interdisciplinary,
empirical research being conducted based on the excavations of these sites in the Asuka andFujiwara areas has made a major contribution towards helping to clarify the historical record of the
Asuka period.

18 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

Building foundations in the Eastern
Government Offices area of the Fujiwara Palace Site

●Center for Archaeological Operations
The Center for Archaeological Operations consists of four sections, which undertake the research activities noted below. The Conservation Science Section studies and develops analyticalmethods for investigating the material and structure of archaeological objects in order to conduct
appropriate conservation and restoration work. The Environmental Archaeology Section studies
the remains of flora and fauna in order to simulate ancient environments and nature. The Dating
Section is advancing research in how to apply the methods of dendrochronology to the fields of archaeology, architectural history etc. The Archaeological Research Methodology Section researches technology for studying cultural properties as well as for measuring and surveying archaeological sites, and also undertakes disaster archeology research.

Survey using ground-penetrating radar （GPR） at the Todaiji temple
West Pagoda site
●Asuka Historical Museum
The Asuka Historical Museum, a facility displaying historical materials from the Asuka area, wasestablished in 1975. The museum’s regular exhibitions display items excavated from palaces,stone structures, tombs and temple sites. The reconstructed portion of the eastern cloister of
Yamadadera temple and objects excavated around its site are also exhibited. The museum’s special exhibitions, held twice a year in spring and autumn, feature the unearthed cultural propertiesof the Asuka area and explore the history of the Asuka period. Special Feature Exhibitions are heldin summer and winter to showcase the multi-faceted research achievements of the Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties.

Asuka Historical Museum●InternationalAcademicExchange
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties contributes to international exchange
and collaboration through activities such as joint research, exchange of researchers, technicaltraining, and conservation and restoration. It also participates in international cooperation projects
conducted by other institutions such as ACCU（Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO）.
Ongoing projects are as follows:（1）Joint research with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences into the Luoyang site, an ancient capital of the Han and Wei dynasties;（2）Joint researchwith the Archaeological Institute of Henan Province, China into the Huangye and Baihe kiln sites
located in the city of Gongyi;（3）Joint research with the Archaeological Institute of Liaoning Province, China into sites of Former Yan, Later Yan and Northern Yan;（4）A comparative study with
the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, of ancient capitals of Japan and Korea,
together with human resource exchanges at excavation projects;（ 5 ）Research and a conservation project, undertaken with Cambodia’s Authority for the Protection and Management of Angkor
and the Region of Siem Reap（APSARA）, at the Western Prasat Top, one of the historical sites of
Angkor, together with human resource development;（6）Research exchange with Columbia University in the U.S.A. We have also been commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs to undertake
collaborative research on excavated materials with Vietnam Forestry University as an exchange
program. Furthermore, we have a responsibility for archeological technology transfer and personnel
training for a project that the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo has beencommissioned to undertake as an exchange program with Myanmar.
In addition, we are collaborating with the Institute on a conservation project and human resource
development work at the Bamiyan site in Afghanistan, along with activities in Central Asian countries to support the registration of sites along the Silk Road as World Heritage sites.

Brief History

1952: Nara Cultural Properties Research Institute（consisting of the General
Affairs Division, the Historical Research Division, the Architecture
Research Division, and the Art Research Division）is established at
50 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, as an auxiliany
		 Organization of the National Commission for the Properties
1954: Renamed as the Nara National Culttiral Palace Site in Sakihigashi _machi, Nara City
1963: Heijo Palace Site Investigation Division is established
1968: Affillated with the Agency for Culthural Affairs（establish 1968）
1970: Nara Palace Site Museum opened
1973: Finance Section. Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation Division.
And Asuka Historical Museum estabilished
1974: Department of General Affairs and the Center for Archaeological
Operations established
1975: Asuka Historical Museum opened at Okuyama in Asuka village. Nara
1980: Art Research Division transferred to the Research Center for Buddhist
Art. Nara National Museum
1980: Relocated to Nijo_cho. Nara City. Heijo Palace Site In vestigation
Division And the Center for Archaeclogical operations are transferred
together to the new site
1988: New headquarters building of Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation
Division built at 94-1 Kinomoto- cho. Kashihara City
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties. Nara
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institute for Cultural Heritage. As the Nara National Research Institute
For Cultural Properties.
2013: Reiocated to temporary Premises Iocated at 247-1 Saki-cho. Nara
City. While the original head office site is being redeveloped.

International project for conservationof Western Prasat Top, Angkor

Facilities

（m2）
Land Area

Building

Area of Headquarters
8,860

Building Area
Gross Floor Area
Currently under reconstruction

Area of Nara Palace Site
MuseumLocated on government-owned Building Arealand, rent fees waivered Gross Floor Area

13,32821,395

Area of Department of Imperial
Palace Sites Investigations(Asuka and Fujiwara)

Building Area
20,515 Gross Floor Area

6,016
9,477

Area of Asuka HistoricalMuseumBuilding Area
17,093 Gross Floor Area

2,657
4,404

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 19

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
At the UNESCO General Conference of October 2009, authorization was given to Japan to establish aninternational centre for intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. After the Japanese government
concluded an agreement with UNESCO in August 2010, International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）was founded in Sakai City, in October 2011, as a Category ２ Centre
under the auspices of UNESCO.
IRCI’s objectives are to promote UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage（ICH）and its implementation, and to enhance the safeguarding of ICH through instigating, facilitating,and coordinating researches in the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve these objectives, IRCI works in cooperation
with research institutions, museums, community representatives, NGOs and governmental organizations in theregion. Today, many elements of ICH are endangered throughout the world due to various factors. IRCI contributes to the safeguarding of ICH, in terms of researches, to ensure that people in the future continue to appreci-

ARATA Akio

ate rich cultural heritage that has been passed down for generations.

Director-General
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region■Activities in FY 2014
IRCI’s activities are in accordance with its medium-term programme endorsed by IRCI Governing Board, which are also in line with UNESCO’s strategic goals. IRCI aims to promoteresearches for ICH safeguarding through its activities, while contributing to the international
enhancement of ICH safeguarding with Japan’s long-term experiences on cultural heritage
management.
1.

Mapping research for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region

2.

Practical and methodological researches for safeguarding endangered ICH

3.

Collaboration with Sakai City for promoting ICH, within the framework of IRCI’s mandate

International experts meeting of the mapping project（January 2015, Islamic Arts
Museum Malaysia）

In FY 2014, IRCI conducted the following activities:●Activity Focus １: Mapping Research for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
1. International Experts Meeting of the Project “Mapping Research on the Safeguardingof Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region”（26-27 January 2015, Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia）
In cooperation with Islamic Art Museum Malaysia, IRCI held an international meeting
inviting experts to discuss issues related to ICH safeguarding based on practical casesof safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. R
 esearch Database on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region

Research Database on ICH Safeguarding
in the Asia-Pacific Region（http://ichdbirci.org/）

For the purpose of making widely available the research information collected in thepast years, IRCI launched online research database（http://ichdb-irci.org/）.
●Activity Focus ２: Practical and Methodological Researches for Safeguarding Endangered ICH
1. R
 esearch for Endangered Traditional Handicrafts in Post-Conflict States（Sri Lanka）
For revitalizing traditional handicrafts as a means of supporting people’s livelihood in
conflict-affected areas, IRCI discussed plans for further activities with the government
officials in Sri Lanka.
2. S
 tudy of Legal Systems Related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater Mekong
RegionWith the aim of strengthening legal policies related to ICH safeguarding in the Mekong
region and other countries in Southeast Asia, IRCI in cooperation with Kyushu University（Graduate School of Law）held a workshop inviting the government officials and experts from ９ countries in the region（19-20 December 2014, Kyushu University）.

20 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

Discussion with the Minister of Traditional Industries, Sri Lanka （September
2014）3. Research for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage on the Verge of Extinction: Vietnamese ICH Element Dong Ho Woodblock Printing
IRCI and Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies（VICAS）co-organized a workshop（27-28 January 2015, Hanoi and Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam）, which was attended by
Dong Ho community leaders, practitioners and researchers from Japan and Vietnam.
4.

Intensive Working Session on Documentation of ICH as a Tool for Community-led Safeguarding Activities（16-18 March 2015, Tokyo National Museum）
For the effective implementation of the community-based documentation of endangered
ICH elements, IRCI programmed an intensive working session inviting community representatives from Timor Leste, for presenting and editing their videorecords. With attendance of artisans from Sri Lanka as observers, the importance of documentation for ICH
safeguarding was discussed among participants.

●Activity Focus ３: Collaboration with Sakai City for Promoting ICH

Workshop on the study of legal systems
related to intangible cultural heritage inSoutheast Asia（December 2014, Kyushu University）

1. The 10th Seminar on Understanding Intangible Cultural Heritage（21 February 2015,
Sakai City Museum）
Director-General of IRCI gave a lecture on UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the activities of IRCI at
the public seminar organized by Sakai City for enhancing the understanding of ICH.

Leaflet of IRCI（English version）
Observation of woodblock printing techniquesin Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam（January 2015）

Documentation Project（a scene in Timor
Leste）●Communications and Publicity
IRCI is disseminating information about its activities using the following media:
1.

Website in local languages in the Asia-Pacific region
IRCI started to update information on the website（http://www.irci.jp）in ８ languages: English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Tamil, Singhalese,
Khmer, and Lao

2.

Leaflet of IRCIIRCI produced a leaflet providing easy-to-understand explanations on IRCI’s profile and major ongoing activities. It is available in English, Japanese, and Vietnamese, and will be translated into other languages.

Brief History

Oct . 2009  : Establishment of IRCI authorized at the UNESCO General Conference
Aug. 2010: ‌Agreement for the establishment of IRCI concluded between the Japanese
government and UNESCO
Mar. 2011:   ‌Agreement for the opening of IRCI concluded between Sakai City and the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage
Apr . 2011:   Establishment of the preparatory office for IRCIOct. 2011:   Official opening of IRCI

Facilities
Buildings（m2）
Building Area

Gross Floor Area

Number of Rooms

244.67244.67

4※The building is leased from Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 21

Ⅳ Reference Materials
Directors（AS OF APRIL 1, 2015）
SASAKI Johei: President（Executive Director, Kyoto National Museum）
MATSUMURA Keiji: D irector（Executive Director, Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Prop）
IKEHARA Mitsuhiro: Director

WATANABE Taeko: Director
KURUSIMA Noriko: Auditor
NAKAMOTO Fuminori: Auditor

Special Advisory Board（AS OF APRIL 1, 2015）
We have a board of special advisors, consisting of professionals drawn from outside the institutes, to gather various opinions from many fields
concerning the management of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The mission of the Board of Special Advisors is to discuss important issues about the management of the Institutes and give advice to the Chairperson of the Board. The number of board members is set at
20, and each member serves renewable 2-year terms. Usually, the board holds two meetings per year.

ANDO Hiroyasu: President, Japan Foundation
ISHIZAWA Yoshiaki: Director of Sophia Asia Center for Researchand Human Development
IMAMURA Mineo: Professor Emeritus, National Museum ofJapanese History
KAZAOKA Noriyuki: Grand Steward, Imperial Household Agency
KAMII Monsho: Head Priest, Byodoin Temple
KARAIKE Koji: ‌Representative Director and Chairman of the Board,
Kyushu Railway Company
SATO Sojun: Professor Emeritus, Nara Women’s University
SATO Teiich: ‌Professor, Graduate School, International University
of Health and Welfare

SHIMIZU Mazumi: Executive Director Mitsui Memorial Museum
SHIRAISHI Taichiro: Executive Director, Osaka Prefecture Chikatsu
Asuka Museum
TANABE Ikuo: President, Osaka Center or Cultural Heritage
DAN Fumi: Actress
NISHIDA Atsutoshi: Counselor, Toshiba Corp.
HAYASHIDA Suma: Executive Director, Onojo Madokapia Hall
FUJII Jouji: E xecutive Director, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum ofHistory
MABUCHI Akiko: President, Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum of Art

External Evaluation Board（AS OF APRIL 1, 2015）
Besides implementing self-evaluation of the Institutes’ operational, survey and research performance, The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage have also established an External Evaluation Board of external experts to verify the Institutes’ assessment of their own performance.（Renewable 2-year terms）
KOBAYASHI Tadashi: P rofessor Emeritus, Gakushuin University;
Executive Director, OKADA MUSEUM OF
ART（ Chairperson）
YOKOSATO Koichi: Special chief, NHK Promotions Inc.
（Vice-Chairperson）
AYUKAWA Masaaki: Certified Public Accountant
INADA Takashi: Professor Emeritus, Okayama University
OKADA Yasuyoshi: P rofessor, Institute for Cultural Studies ofAncient Iraq, Kokushikan University
KAWAI Masatomo: Professor Emeritus, Keio University; Executive
Director, Chiba City Museum of Art

SAKAI Tadayasu: Executive Director, Setagaya Art Museum
SATO Makoto: Professor, Graduate School of Humanities an Sociology, University of Tokyo
TAMAMUSHI Satoko: P r o f e s s o r , C o l l e g e o f A r t a n d D e s i g n ,Musashino Art University
HAMADA Hiroaki: Professor, J. F. Oberlin University
FUJITA Haruhiko: P rofessor, Graduate School of Letters, Osaka
University
MORI Hiroko: Committee Member, Fukuoka Prefecture Council for
the Protection of Cultural PropertiesYANAGIBAYASHI Osamu: Reporter, The Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka

Number of Staff
Division
Total

Number of staff

Administrative
staff

Technical andsecurity staff

Curators/
Researchers

325

125

19

181

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat

18

18

0

   0
48

Tokyo National Museum

93

34

11

Kyoto National Museum

35

18

4

13

Nara National Museum

33

15

4

14

Kyushu National Museum

27

10

0

17

National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo

41

   7

0

34

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

76

22

0

54

   2

   1

0

   1

International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region（Figures as of April 1, 2015）22 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

Organizational Chart
President

Auditor
Audit oﬃce

National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage Secretariat

Directors

Research Coordinator
Secretary - General
General Aﬀairs
Financial Aﬀairs
Accounting
Facilities and Operations DivisionTokyo National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Kyoto National
MuseumDirector
GeneralExecutive
Vice Director

Deputy Director
GeneralAdministration
Department
GeneralAffairs Division
Accounting
Division
Facilities andOperations
Division
Curatorial
Planning
Department
Planning
Division
Education
Division
Informatics
Division
Public Relations
and Press
Editors Office forthe 150―Year
History of Tokyo
National Museum
Curatorial Research
Department
Collections
Management
Division
Research
Division
Conservation
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Administrative
Division
Curatorial
Division
Chief
Curators

Nara National
MuseumExecutive
Director
Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division
Curatorial
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Kyushu National
MuseumExecutive
Director
Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division
Curatorial
Board
Planning Division
MuseumScience
Division
Cultural
Properties
Division

Asian Cultural
Exchange Center※※ Kyushu National
Museum is
managed incooperation with
Fukuoka Prefecture

National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo

Nara National ResearchInstitute forCultural Properties

International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region

Director
General

Director
General

Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch
Support andPromotion
Department of
Art ResearchArchives andInformation
Systems
Department ofIntangible
Cultural
Heritage
Center forConservation
Science andRestoration
Techniques
Japan Center forInternational
Cooperation inConservation

Deputy Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch,
Support andPromotion
Administration
Division
Collaboration
Promotion
Division
Research
SupportDivision
Department ofPlanning and
Coordination
Department ofCultural Heritage
Department ofImperial Palace
Site Investigations
Center for
Archaeological
Operations
Asuka
HistoricalMuseum（As of April 1, 2015）

BudgetFiscal 2015 Budget
Revenue

Source（Unit: JPY1,000）
Fiscal 2015

Fiscal 2014

Self-generated Income

1,322,634

1,322,634

Government funding for operating expenses

8,440,731

8,238,870

Income from commissioned projects

26,00026,000Grant for facilities improvement

2,920,551

2,990,365

Total

12,709,916

12,577,869

Expenditure（Unit: JPY1,000）
PurposeFiscal 2015

Fiscal 2014

Operational expenses

9,763,365

9,561,504

Personnel

3,249,769

3,100,606

Supply costs

6,513,596

6,460,898

Expenses for commissioned projects

26,00026,000

Facility improvement

2,920,551

2,990,365

Total

12,709,916

12,577,869

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 23

Income from External Sources
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（2015）①

Fiscal 2015

Number of
projects②

Multi-year Fumd Fiscal 2015

AmountNumber of projects（Unit：JPY1,000）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage
Secretariat
Tokyo National Museum

0

0

0

（0）

0

17

56,11019（10）Kyoto National Museum

1

9,100

2

（0）

Nara National Museum
Kyushu National Museum

1
3

7,540
11,0502
7

National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo

Funding forCommissioned Work
（Fiscal 2014）
Number of
projects

Research Grants（Fiscal 2014）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

Number of
projects
1

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

00184,653

22,2301

15,2206

18,351

1,830

0

0

3

19,751

（0）
（2）

2,990
9,390

0
2

0
14,4965
0

10,5000943,62015（3）22,36021

228,738

4

1,900

Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties

20

47,10435（8）37,83043

230,49833,500International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region

0

0

0

（0）

0

1

51,388

1

8,300

51

174,52480（23）96,63068

540,340

23

246,955

Total※The amount of ① is the appropriation amount as of April, 2015.
※In the case of projects that extend over multiple fiscal years, the amount given under ② shows the amount allocated to that year when the decision to provide
the grant was first made.
※With regard to research topics for which both ① and ② were awarded (partial funding), the number of projects is included under the respective totals for ① and②; the figure given in parentheses for ② is the number of projects for which both types of Grants-in-Aid were awarded. Please note that the figures given include
indirect expenses.
※Funding for commissioned work excludes commissions from the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

I Information about Donation and Membership○Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations【Financial Donations】

Independent Administrative Institutions are mainly administered through national grants for operational costs and facilities improvement.
However, difficult financial conditions and the streamlining of operations makes it necessary to receive outside funds as well. The National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage is no exception and we also need to secure other funding sources besides income from admission fees. For
these reasons, we welcome financial support from a wide range of organizations and individuals.
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage has been designated by the National Tax Agency as a Special Public-Interest Promotion
Corporation. This means that donations to our institutions（by organizations or individuals）are eligible for more generous income and corporate
tax deductions than donations to regular private entities.

▲

Income tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, individuals can deduct part of this donation from their taxable income.
A FY2010 amendment to the tax law reduced the minimum annual tax-deductible donation amount from 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen, so any
individual who donates more than 2,000 yen annually to Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporations will be eligible for a tax deduction. As
a result, a donor will be able to deduct a donation amount of up to 40% of total income（minus 2,000 yen）when calculating income tax.

▲

Corporate tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, corporate entities can count the donation amount as a deductible expense
separate from other general donations. Furthermore, the reform of the tax system in December 2011 raised the ceiling for the amount of
donations that could be included as deductible expenses. As a result, the maximum amount of donations that can be counted as special
deductible expenses =（amount of capital × 0.375（formerly 0.25）+ 6.25% of income（formerly 5%））× 1/2【Cultural Property Donations】

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is engaged in the preservation, management, research and display of cultural properties. In
addition to purchasing these cultural properties systematically, we also accept donations from individuals or organizations.

For further information about donations, please contact the following departments:
Institution

Cultural Property Donations

Phone Numbers

Accounting, Administration
Department

Collections Management,
Curatorial Research Department

03-3822-1111

Financial Affairs

Department of Registration andImage Archives

075-541-1151

Nara National Museum

Accounts

Department of Exhibition and
Education

0742-22-7772
0742-22-7774

Kyushu National Museum

Financial Affairs, General Affairs
Division

Collection Registration, Cultural
Properties Division092-918-2807

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Planning Section

03-3823-2249

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Administration Division0742-30- 6732

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat, Financial Affairs

03-3822-2439

Tokyo National Museum
Kyoto National Museum

National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties, Tokyo
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties
Inquiries not specifying
institutions

Section24 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015

○Membership

CONTENTSTokyo National Museum and Nara National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member system, while Kyoto National
Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association. We also oﬀ er “Friends of the Museum” and “Museum Passport” systems toencourage people to visit our museums more frequently. We welcome new members at any time of the year.

【Campus Members System】

Message
Ⅰ

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage���2

Ⅱ

Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ��5
１

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

Acquisition and Preservation of Museum Collections ��5▪Collection▪Conservation and Restoration
Dissemination of Traditional Culture �����������5

２▪Exhibitions▪Number of Visitors▪Educational Activities
３

Contributing to Museum Activities as a Central
Organization for Museums in Japan �����������6

４

Promoting Surveys and Research as a Core Research
Organization for Japan’s Cultural Heritage��������6

５

Promotion of International Cooperation Related
to the Protection of Cultural Properties ���������7

６

Collection of Reference Materials and Disseminationof Research Outcomes������������������7

７

Improving Cultural Property Protection
by Assisting Local Public Organizations ���������7▪Collaboration with Universities

Ⅲ

Activities of Each Institution����������������8
Tokyo National Museum �����������������8
Kyoto National Museum ���������������� 10
Nara National Museum����������������� 12
Kyushu National Museum ��������������� 14
National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo ��������������� 16
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties������������������� 18
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
��� 20

Ⅳ○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities available as unique venues for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences andExhibitions) events. From corporate parties to international conventions, the museum facilities can be used for a wide range ofactivities.

Reference Materials ������������������� 22
Directors / Special Advisory Board /External Evaluation Board
Number of Staff
Organizational Chart
BudgetIncome from External Sources

Information about Donation and Membership�������� 24
Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations
Membership
Venue Rental

Gala dinner party held at Heiseikan （Tokyo National
Museum）

Jewellry show and dinner held at the Kyoto National
Museum（Heisei Chishinkan Wing）

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2015 25

JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties, Tokyo

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat

International
Library ofWest Gate
Children’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall
◀ To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

National Science
MuseumTokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit

JR UenoStationUeno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art

N

Tokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:（JR Line）10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station（Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Ueno Station（Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Nezu Station（Keisei Line）15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: http://www.nich.go.jp/

2015
Outline of the National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage