The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) runs eight institutions, each with their own unique characteristics. NICH includes four national museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu National Museum), The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan, two research institutes (Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), and the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region. Furthermore, the National Center for the Promotion 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 utilize cultural properties to provide people of all ages with opportunities to encounter the properties while also pursue initiatives to protect diverse cultural properties from frequently occurring disasters.

NICH strives to conserve 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.

During this fiscal year, by utilizing our accumulated experience and knowledge our museums continue to collect cultural artifacts in a systemically and historically balanced manner, conserve the artifacts, develop captivating exhibitions and educational programs utilizing the results of research. Furthermore, our research institutes and centers will continue to conduct basic and systemic research aimed at uncovering new knowledge about the cultural heritage.

In October this year, the management and the administration of The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan was transferred from The Imperial Household Agency to NICH. 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 tasked with preserving cultural property and presenting opportunities for many people to appreciate and learn about that. In order to fulfill our responsibilities, we are working hard progressing step by step steadily facing many challenges, such as tackling the issue of ageing facilities/equipment, striving to retain and develop staff, and increasing our own sources of income.

We appreciate your warm and continuing support.

SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
President Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage