# Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

> Japanese cultural research institute

**Wikidata**: [Q3297795](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3297795)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_National_Research_Institute_for_Cultural_Properties)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tokyo-national-research-institute-for-cultural-properties

## Summary
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (Tobunken) is a Japanese research institute dedicated to the study, preservation, and promotion of cultural heritage. Established in 1930, it operates under the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage and is located in Ueno Park, Tokyo. The institute conducts interdisciplinary research on art, archaeology, and conservation science to safeguard Japan's cultural assets.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: 1930
- **Operator**: National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
- **Location**: Ueno-kōen, Tokyo, Japan (coordinates: 35.7207° N, 139.776° E)
- **Website**: [https://www.tobunken.go.jp/](https://www.tobunken.go.jp/) (available in Japanese and English)
- **Identifiers**: ISNI 0000000097788316, GND 10045616-9, VIAF 137260453
- **Membership**: Japan Consortium for Open Access Repository (joined by 2024)
- **Focus Areas**: Conservation science, art history, archaeology, and cultural heritage preservation

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties established?
A: The institute was founded in 1930 as a key institution for cultural heritage research in Japan.

### Q: What is the institute’s primary mission?
A: Its mission is to conduct scientific research on cultural properties, develop preservation techniques, and promote public understanding of Japan's cultural heritage.

### Q: Where is the institute located?
A: It is situated in Ueno Park, Tokyo, a major cultural and educational hub in Japan.

## Why It Matters
The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties plays a critical role in preserving Japan’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage. As one of the oldest and most respected institutions of its kind, it advances conservation science, supports archaeological research, and fosters international collaboration in cultural preservation. Its work ensures the longevity of historical artifacts, buildings, and artistic traditions, contributing to global efforts to protect cultural diversity. By bridging academic research and public engagement, the institute helps make cultural heritage accessible to future generations and promotes cross-cultural understanding.

## Notable For
- **Oldest Cultural Research Institute in Japan**: Founded in 1930, it has over 90 years of expertise in cultural heritage studies.
- **Interdisciplinary Approach**: Combines art history, archaeology, chemistry, and physics to develop innovative conservation methods.
- **Digital Archives**: Provides open-access online catalogs and research databases, including the *Tobunken Archives*.
- **International Collaboration**: Partners with global institutions like UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
- **Public Education**: Offers exhibitions, workshops, and publications to raise awareness about cultural preservation.

## Body
### History
- **1930**: Established as the *National Research Institute for Cultural Properties*.
- **2004**: Reorganized under the *National Institutes for Cultural Heritage*, an Independent Administrative Institution.

### Research Focus
- **Conservation Science**: Develops techniques for preserving materials such as wood, paper, and metal.
- **Art History**: Studies Japanese, East Asian, and global art traditions.
- **Archaeology**: Conducts excavations and analyzes historical sites and artifacts.
- **Digital Humanities**: Uses advanced imaging and 3D modeling to document cultural assets.

### Digital Initiatives
- **Online Archives**: Hosts a searchable database of research publications and artifact records ([https://www.tobunken.go.jp/archives/](https://www.tobunken.go.jp/archives/)).
- **YouTube Channel**: Shares educational content on cultural heritage (channel ID: UCCi_kTv2aTz25EuO-U9mNdA).

### International Collaboration
- Participates in UNESCO projects and global conferences on cultural preservation.
- Publishes research in multilingual journals to promote international scholarly exchange.

### Access
- **Facilities**: Located in Ueno Park, a central Tokyo district housing museums, libraries, and universities.
- **Language Support**: Website and resources available in Japanese and English.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. CiNii Research
4. [Source](https://jpcoar.repo.nii.ac.jp/page/40)
5. ROR release v1.19
6. Open ISNI for Organizations
7. GRID Release 2016-12-06
8. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
9. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
11. YouTube API