Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

The Tokyo National Research Institute for Cultural Properties (TOBUNKEN) originated from the Japan Art Academy-affiliated Institute of Art Research, which was established in 1930. Now, it is an unparalleled institute that comprehensively conducts investigation and research into cultural heritage, including intangible cultural properties, investigation and research into conservation science and restoration techniques, and international cooperation regarding cultural heritage.

TOBUNKEN cooperates with the Cultural Heritage Disaster Risk Management Center, which was founded under the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat and takes its important role as a core center for East Japan. Currently they are developing facilities necessary to restore damaged cultural properties including a vacuum freeze dryer. They continue to engage in the research on conservation methods for cultural properties incorporating preventative and disaster mitigation perspectives, including intangible cultural heritage.

TOBUNKEN aims to operate their organisation more efficiently and effectively, while striving to further develop it as a hub for comprehensive research and investigation and international cooperation in the protection of cultural properties.