Home > Policy > White Paper, Notice, Announcement > White Paper > JAPANESE GOVERMENT POLICICIES IN EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND CULTURE 1994 > PART II Chapter 9 Section 6 2

National research institutes of cultural properties have been established in Tokyo and Nara. In addition to research in such fields as archaeology, architectural history, and art history, these institutes apply the techniques of natural science to the study of cultural properties through interdisciplinary scientific research based on advances in multiple fields.

In recent years the institutes have also expanded their involvement in international research cooperation relating to the conservation and restoration of cultural properties. The Tokyo National Research Institute of Cultural Properties has established the Division of International Cooperation for Conservation, which specializes in international cooperation in the conservation and restoration of cultural properties. This division engages in international research exchange concerning the conservation and restoration of the world's cultural properties. It also assists with the restoration of Japanese artworks in the collections of overseas museums (see chapter 10).

The Nara National Research Institute of Cultural Properties is involved primarily in research relating to the surveying, conservation, and utilization of real estate cultural properties. At present it is restoring the Suzakumon gate and the Toin (Eastern Pavilion) garden on the site of the imperial palace (Heijokyu) in the ancient capital of Heijokyo. It is also conducting research and surveys relating to the restoration of the Daigokuden hall. In addition, the institute is working to improve and strengthen the conservation and restoration of cultural properties through international exchange and cooperation.