National Archives of Japan: Tokyo Main Office (国立公文書館)

About the National Archives of Japan:

Established in July 1971, the National Archives of Japan collects assesses, and catalogs government documents and  historical records.  In addition, the Archives encourages wider interest by mounting exhibitions and fostering research.

Collection Size: 43,426,450 items, including 11,154,403 books (as of 2017)

Focus: Politics, History, Government

Notable Collection(s):

• Hōsō ruiin (法曹類林) : 3 volumes,  Heian period,  laws and regulations, important cultural property

• Azuma kagami (吾妻鏡) : 51 items, Kamakura period, History, important cultural property

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects a different romanization system used by an individual institution or collection.

Directions

Using the Archives

Prior to the Visit:

• Please fill out and submit the Request Form "特定歴史公文書等利用請求書 Tokutei rekishi kōbunsho riyō seikyūsho" by email (document in Word, PDF, or image formats only). The form is also available at the circulation desk.
• Please email naj-riyou◆archives.go.jp (Change ◆ to @) and include "特定歴史公文書等利用請求" in the subject line. 
• Please wait for a response to know when and how the material may be viewed.

Upon Arrival:

• Please leave the personal belongings in the locker.

• Materials can only be viewed in the reading room.

• Please fill out the Registration Form "独立行政法人国立公文書館閲覧室利用申込書 Dikuritsu gyōsei hōjin kokuritsu kōbunsho etsuranshitsu riyo mōshikomisho".

• 30 items per 5 requests

• Photography is permitted, however please do not use of flashes, tripods, monopods and other photographic devices.

Note: Various forms are available at "国立公文書館ご利用案内 Kokuritsu kōbunshokan goriyōannai."

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• Reproduction fee may vary depending on types of format.

• To request reproduction,  Please check, Requesting copy (写しの交付 Utsushi no kōfu) and specify the format  (写しの作成方法 Utsushi no sakusei hōhō), such as microfilms (negative films or printouts), scanned data (CD-R/DVD-R discs or printouts), etc on the Request Form (特定歴史公文書等利用請求書).

Using the Digital Archives

• Information of the catalog and the images are subject to fees if being used, unless they are printed out on the designated Request Form.

Note: Various forms are available at "写しの交付等のご案内 Utsushi no kōfutō no goannai".

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net