The Ministry of Culture, which is one of the institutions belonging to the state Council (the state Council corresponds to the Japanese Cabinet), is in charge of policy for the promotion of art and culture. Under the guidance of the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council, the Ministry of Culture is responsible for cultural policy other than affairs which relate to the protection of cultural properties. Specifically, its sphere of jurisdiction extends over abroad range including: planning, coordinating and superintending both long term promotion projects and yearly plans for the execution of artistic and cultural programs; special training for persons associated with arts and culture; management of artistic and cultural facilities; conducting study regarding cultural and financial policies. and distribution of national budget ;conducting contests in the areas of art and culture and awarding prizes ;conducting research concerning artistic and cultural policies for youth and providing guidance for exchange activities in this area ; and so on. It also provides guidance to artistic and cultural organizations; examines the qualifications of national organizations concerned with culture; improves libraries and facilitates communication among them; examines, publishes and authorizes books relating to literature; presents films and the theatrical performances and so on.
