User Guide

1. The National Archives of Modern Architecture provides access to its collections through the following services:

• ① On-site access to archival records
• ② Reproduction services (photocopies)
• ③ Provision of digital images
• ④ Loan of original records

*Note: In addition to the above, an application procedure for image use is required when using digital images and original records for the following purposes:

• ・Academic research outcomes (publication in academic papers, etc.)
• ・Practical surveys accompanying the preservation and renovation of buildings
• ・Personal research and public presentation
• ・Use in web-based educational materials
• ・Media use (publishing, broadcasting, web media, software, etc.)
• ・Exhibition and public display
• ・Publication in exhibition catalogs, etc.

*To provide rapid access to its collections, the Archives releases information and accommodates requests as much as possible, even for records that have not yet been fully cataloged. Therefore, please understand and acknowledge that the following situations may occur:

• ・It may take some time before you can use the records as we need to confirm their contents.
• ・Depending on the contents and condition of the confirmed records, they may not be available for use.
• ・The information provided may change as the cataloging of records progresses.

2. Search the Collections

A portion of our collections can be searched from this page. National Archives of Modern Architecture Collections Search (Link: https://db.nama.bunka.go.jp/) (*only in Japanese)

3. User Responsibilities

Users of architectural records are responsible for ensuring that their use of archival information does not infringe upon the privacy, security, copyright, or other legitimate rights and interests of individuals or organizations concerned.

 

Viewing Materials

1. Available Dates and Times
Monday to Friday ,10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
You may use the Archives during the times for which you have completed the application procedure in advance within the above hours.

Please note that the Archives are closed on the following days:
① National holidays
② Year-end and New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4 of the following year)
*Regardless of the above, available dates and times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

2. Viewable Materials
Records in the collections may be accessed unless they are subject to access restrictions or their use would infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of third parties.
*Rules concerning the management, preservation, and use of architectural materials at the National Archives of Modern Architecture, Agency for Cultural Affairs concerning the management, preservation, and use of architectural materials at the National Archives of Modern Architecture, Agency for Cultural Affairs (Refer to Article 12) (*only in Japanese)

Materials are made available based on the following policies and standards: *Policies and standards for the disclosure of architectural materials at the National Archives of Modern Architecture (February 20, 2023) (*only in Japanese)

To protect original records, viewing is generally conducted by browsing reproduced digital images on dedicated equipment installed in the viewing room. Viewing of original records is limited to cases in which all of the following conditions are met:

• ・The Archives do not hold digital surrogates of the records, or consultation of digital surrogates is insufficient for the stated purpose, and the Director determines that access to the originals is necessary.
• ・Consultation of the originals presents no risk of damage or deterioration.
• ・The records are not required for archival processing, preservation, or other operational purposes.

 

Viewing Procedures

(1) Submission of Application Form

Researchers wishing to consult architectural records must complete and submit the prescribed Application Form for Viewing Archival Records by email, fax, or post.
*Appointments for consultation of records will normally be scheduled no earlier than 30 working days after formal acceptance of the application.
(actual working days for administrative procedures, excluding weekends, national holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays) after the formal acceptance of the "Application Form for Viewing Archival Materials" (*only in Japanese).

• Email: nama@mext.go.jp (Please read the notes below before drafting and sending your　email.)

• Fax: 03-3812-3407
• Mail: National Archives of Modern Architecture, Agency for Cultural Affairs, 4-6-15 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8553

「APPLICATION FORM FOR MATERIAL VIEWING」（WORD） 「APPLICATION FORM FOR MATERIAL VIEWING」（PDF）

*Notes when sending emails:

Please send emails in a format that does not include embedded advertisements or links to social networks. If your email settings automatically insert advertisements into the signature area, please be careful, as we may not be able to receive your email. Also, if you do not receive a reply from us after two days have passed since sending, please call the number below between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM, which are our main business hours.

Phone Number: 03-3812-3401 (Main)

(2) Coordination of Viewing Details

After receiving your application, the Archives will contact you to confirm the records requested and arrange a consultation date.
If you do not hear from us within 7 days of submitting the "Application Form for Viewing Archival Materials," please contact us.

*If the Archives determines that the architectural records requested for viewing contain non-disclosure information stipulated in Article 12 of the Management Rules (*only in Japanese) or information that infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of third parties, we may deny permission or partially restrict viewing. *Due to the screening required for the above determination, you may not be able to use the records on your requested viewing date. *It may take some time before you can use records that have not yet been fully cataloged.

(3) Notice of Approval for Viewing Archival Records

After the viewing details are finalized, we will send you a "Notice of Approval" (Form No. 1-②).

4. Viewing Method
(1) Reception

Please visit the Archives at the designated date and time and present your Notice of Approval and a valid form of identification (driver's license, health insurance card, passport, employee ID, student ID, etc.) at the office reception (1st floor).

Access

(2) Bringing items into the building
① You may bring writing utensils, necessary reference books, mobile phones, tablet devices, computers, and other equipment into the viewing room, but photographing, scanning, or otherwise reproducing records using personal devices is prohibited.
Please store all other belongings in the designated lockers.
② When viewing original records, you must use pencils, erasers, and sticky notes (without adhesive) loaned by the Archives. You may not bring your own stationery.

(3) Precautions when viewing
① You may not photograph, scan, copy, or otherwise reproduce records using personal equipment or storage media.
② Please handle the original materials with utmost care to avoid dirtying, folding, or tearing them.
③ You may not leave the premises without permission while viewing. If you temporarily leave the viewing room for a break, etc., please be sure to inform the staff.
④ When you have finished viewing, please ensure you inform the staff and have the materials checked.
⑤ Please do not engage in any behavior that may be a nuisance to other viewers.
⑥ Eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted in the viewing areas.
⑦ Please note that the Archives does not provide cafeteria or retail services.