# National Institute of Information and Communications Technology

> Japanese research institute

**Wikidata**: [Q6973676](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6973676)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Information_and_Communications_Technology)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/national-institute-of-information-and-communications-technology

## Summary
The **National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)** is a Japanese research institute specializing in information and communications technology. Established in 2004, it operates under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and conducts advanced research in areas such as satellite communications, internet infrastructure, and information theory.

## Key Facts
- Founded on **April 1, 2004**, replacing the Communications Research Laboratory.
- Headquartered in **Tokyo, Japan**, with coordinates **35.70925° N, 139.487778° E**.
- Operates facilities like the **Otakadoyayama Transmitter** and **Haganeyama Transmitter**.
- Affiliated with notable researchers, including **Te Sun Han** (information theorist) and **Ken Umeno** (computer scientist).
- Participates in international projects like **EarthCARE**, a joint European/Japanese Earth research satellite.
- Classified as a **National Research and Development Agency** under Japanese law.
- Official websites available in **Japanese** and **English**.

## FAQs
### Q: What does NICT stand for?
A: NICT stands for **National Institute of Information and Communications Technology**, Japan’s primary research institute for ICT.

### Q: When was NICT established?
A: NICT was founded on **April 1, 2004**, succeeding the Communications Research Laboratory.

### Q: Where is NICT located?
A: Its headquarters are in **Tokyo, Japan**, specifically in the **Koganei** area.

### Q: What kind of research does NICT conduct?
A: NICT focuses on **information and communications technology**, including satellite systems, internet infrastructure, and theoretical research.

### Q: Is NICT involved in international projects?
A: Yes, NICT collaborates on projects like **EarthCARE**, a joint satellite mission with the European Union.

## Why It Matters
NICT plays a critical role in advancing Japan’s technological infrastructure and global contributions to communications research. As a government-backed institute, it drives innovation in satellite communications, cybersecurity, and next-generation internet technologies. Its work supports both domestic policy goals and international collaborations, such as Earth observation missions. By fostering research in information theory and practical engineering, NICT helps shape the future of digital connectivity, ensuring Japan remains a leader in ICT development.

## Notable For
- **Operating key transmitters** (Otakadoyayama and Haganeyama) for communications research.
- **Leading Japan’s participation** in the EarthCARE satellite project.
- **Affiliation with pioneering researchers**, including Te Sun Han and Masaki Hirabaru.
- **Government designation** as a National Research and Development Agency.
- **Multilingual outreach**, with official content in Japanese and English.

## Body
### Overview
The **National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)** is a Japanese research institute focused on information and communications technology (ICT). It was established on **April 1, 2004**, as a successor to the Communications Research Laboratory. NICT operates under the **Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications** and is classified as a **National Research and Development Agency**.

### Location and Facilities
- **Headquarters**: Tokyo, Japan (coordinates: **35.70925° N, 139.487778° E**).
- **Key facilities**:
  - Otakadoyayama Transmitter
  - Haganeyama Transmitter

### Research and Projects
NICT conducts research in:
- **Satellite communications** (e.g., EarthCARE, a joint EU-Japan mission).
- **Internet infrastructure** and cybersecurity.
- **Information theory** and computational science.

### Affiliated Researchers
Notable figures associated with NICT include:
- **Te Sun Han** (information theorist, b. 1941).
- **Ken Umeno** (computer scientist, b. 1966).
- **Masaki Hirabaru** (Internet pioneer, b. 2000).
- **Reiko Kondō** (computer scientist and bureaucrat).

### International Collaboration
NICT participates in global initiatives, such as the **EarthCARE satellite project**, which studies Earth’s atmosphere and climate.

### Legal and Administrative Details
- **Legal form**: National Research and Development Agency.
- **Parent organization**: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
- **Regulatory framework**: Governed by the **Act on the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology**.

## Schema Markup
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  "name": "National Institute of Information and Communications Technology",
  "description": "Japanese research institute specializing in information and communications technology.",
  "url": "https://www.nict.go.jp/en/index.html",
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## References

1. [Source](https://www.ndl.go.jp/jp/library/isil/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2024/11/06/isil_museums_20241106_J.csv)
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. BnF authorities
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. CiNii Research
6. GRID Release 2015-12-14
7. GRID Release 2016-12-06
8. Quora
9. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
10. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
11. HAL