The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) runs eight institutions, each with their own uniquecharacteristics. These include five national museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum,Nara National Museum, Kyushu National Museum, and The Museum of the Imperial Collections,Sannomaru Shozokan), two research institutes (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Propertiesand Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), and the International Research Centre forIntangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region. Furthermore, the National Center for thePromotion of Cultural Properties and the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Center have been　established in the headquarters of the NICH. While collaborating and cooperating with each institution, these two bodies will utilize cultural properties to provide people of all ages with opportunities to encounter cultural properties while also pursuing initiatives to protect our diverse cultural properties from frequently-occurring disasters. In response to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred in January 2024, the NICH has also been working with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to implement rescue operations aimed at saving disaster-hit cultural heritage while also dispatching cultural heritage doctors to support the restoration of damaged buildings. The NICH will continue to utilize our accumulated knowledge and experience to implement emergency measures and restoration initiatives for disaster-hit cultural heritage in cooperation with our nationwide network of related institutions.

As a challenge for this fiscal year, the NICH will strive to conserve our fragile cultural properties in an appropriate manner while utilizing the latest technology and adopting a diverse range of methods to provide an environment where people can encounter and enjoy learning about Japan’s history, traditions and culture. We will also contribute to cultural tourism in Japan by actively utilizing our cultural resources and conveying the appeal of this cultural heritage in a manner easy to comprehend for both Japanese and non-Japanese people alike. Furthermore, in October 2023, the management and administration of Sannomaru Shozokan was transferred from The Imperial Household Agency to the NICH, with The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan established as Japan’s fifth national museum. While using our accumulated knowledge and experience in the fields of museum management and the conservation/utilization of cultural properties to carefully preserve and study these valuable treasures passed down through The Imperial Family, we will also strive to ensure this cultural heritage can be enjoyed by more people.

We are currently in a difficult financial situation and we face many challenges, such as increasing our own sources of income, tackling the issue of ageing facilities/equipment, and striving to retain and develop staff. We are tasked with preserving our cultural heritage while presenting opportunities for many people to appreciate and learn about this heritage. I believe it is our responsibility to convey the deep connection between these activities and the vitality of modern Japanese culture..

From here on, we will continue pushing forward step by step with all your help. We look forward to receiving your continued support in these endeavors.

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
President Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage