Bureau of Mystics

"The Administration"

**The Shinpi-kyoku** **(神秘局)**, also known as the Bureau of Mystics, is the official organization of magical education and regulation commissioned by the Japanese government. Founded in the Meiji Restoration era for a more organized and regulated system for magi to be registered and monitored, the Shinpi-kyoku manages the administrative side of Japan's magi as well as creating secret schools for educating future magi in the country. They also work in tandem with the Inyōuroushi-Gumi and the Awataguchigumi, two separate organizations also commissioned by the government as security against internal and external magi and supernatural threats to Japan. Many students educated by the Bureau are able to join the other organizations without much problem, as a certification from the Bureau is considered a seal of qualification and approval from the Japanese government for practicing magic.

## History

The Bureau of Mystics was established in 1870 during the reign of Emperor Meiji, and would become the official, albeit hidden from the Sleeper population, institution for overseeing mage schools and workshops throughout Japan as well as keeping records of every mage in the country. The Inyōuroushi-Gumi collaborated with the Bureau in order to enforce this new law of registry, and those who did not cooperate were quickly eliminated. It became an official decree that only the registered magi are allowed to practice magic in the country for the sake of safety and ensuring no rogue or dissident could reveal the nature magic and thus accelerate Decay.

Throughout the 19th and 20th century, the Bureau was responsible in establishing secret schools were perspective magi are educated and trained in magic, and ensuring that their capabilities are monitored and recorded by the Bureau. A majority of the schools were initially located in secret locations in Japan itself, but by the turn of the 21st century, its workshops and schools were relocated in "pocket planes" in the Border Realm for total secrecy and security. The Bureau remains one of the most influential mage organizations in the country, despite their mostly administrative and educational role in the world of magi in Japan.

## Organizational Structure

The Shinpi-kyoku, as their name suggests, has an intricate organizational structure, and is the main reason why magi from other organizations tend to consider working for Bureau as a way to get a comfy desk job. Regardless of how others see them, the Bureau nevertheless keeps their complex system running to ensure no unauthorized magus escapes their gaze.

The Bureau is led by the Director-General, or the Kyokuchō (局長), responsible for overseeing all its operations and reporting directly to the Japanese government.

The Deputy Director-General or the Fuku Kyokuchō (副局長) assists the Director-General in day-to-day operations and may act as a stand-in when necessary

The Bureau is divided into several different departments who handle different sectors of the organization.

### The Department of Records

**Mage Registration Officers** - Responsible for maintaining records of all registered magi in Japan, tracking their magical abilities, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.

**Monitoring Officers** - Teams of experienced magi who monitor the activities of registered magi to ensure they do not pose a threat to society or reveal the existence of magic to the Sleeper population.

### The Department of Mage Education

**School Administrators** - The main overseers of schools in the Border Realm.

**Instructors** - Skilled magi who teach young magicians various magical disciplines and ethics.

**Curriculum Developers** - Specialists who design and update the magical curriculum to keep it relevant and effective.

**Student Services** - Specialist who provide guidance and assistance in schools, such as psychologists, medical professionals, etc.

### The Department of Research and Development

**Researchers** - Conduct research to advance the understanding of magic, develop new spells and enchantments, and improve magical practices.

Artificers - Study and catalog magical artifacts and relics, ensuring their safe handling and storage, as well as produce government-issued equipment for the Bureau and other government-commissioned organizations.

### Department of Security and Enforcement

**Inyōuroushi-Gumi Liaison Officers** -Collaborate with the Inyōuroushi-Gumi, ensuring the enforcement of d magical regulations and their affairs with both human magi and yokai in Japan.

**Awataguchigumi Liaison Officers** - Work in tandem with the Awataguchigumi to address external and internal threats and security issues.

### Department of Legal Affairs

**Legal Advisors** - Provide legal counsel and representation for magi facing legal issues related to magic.

**Regulation Enforcement Officers** - Ensure that registered magi follow all magical laws and regulations, taking appropriate action against those who violate them, they are typically the agents of the Bureau who cooperate with local police.

### Department of Support and Logistics

**Administrative Staff** - The administrative staff handle paperwork, record-keeping, and general administrative tasks to keep the organization running smoothly.

**Logistics and Infrastructure Staff** - The specialist who manage the physical locations of the Bureau's operations, including the pocket planes in the Border Realm.

### Department of Communication and Outreach

**Public Relations Specialists** - Managers of communication with the Sleeper population, ensuring that the existence of magic remains hidden.

**Government Liaison Officers** - Agents who maintain a close relationship with the Japanese government, keeping them informed about magical matters and seeking government support when necessary.

### Department of Internal Affairs

**Internal Investigators** - Specialist who make up this department to ensure the integrity and loyalty of Bureau personnel, investigating any potential breaches of trust or security.

**Advisory Council** - is composed of experienced magi, scholars, and government officials, this council provides strategic guidance and recommendations to the Director-General.