National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan

Mission

The mission of the National Museum of Nature and Science is to deepen the public’s appreciation of the Earth, life, science and technology, and to encourage people to think about how humankind, the natural world, and science and technology should best relate to each other.

The Museum fulfills this mission in two ways. First, we elucidate the history of life and the history of science and technology through evidentiary research, using specimens and other resources. Second, we collect and systematically organize our vast collection of specimens, providing a national collection that supports all manner of scientific research.

This collection is a priceless heritage, provided for the benefit of people everywhere and as an inheritance for future generations. The benefits of the intellectual and physical resources gained through these research programs and this specimen collection are returned to the public as only the Museum can, by bolstering the nation’s scientific literacy through fascinating exhibits and irreplaceable educational support.

Date Opened

January 1877

Activity Summary

Founded in 1877, the National Museum of Nature and Science boasts one of the richest histories of any museum in Japan. It is Japan's only nationally administered museum, and one of the world's central institutes for research in natural history and the history of science and technology.

The Museum is also a leader in the museum community in Japan, boasting a collection of over 3.6 million precious specimens. Today the Museum consists of five campuses, with the main campus at Ueno in Tokyo. These campuses are active in conducting research work, collection, and preservation of specimens, exhibition and education activities.

The National Museum of Nature and Science is working to fulfill its mission through the following three principal operations:

1. Research. The Museum conducts surveys and studies about the history and present state of the Earth and its biosphere, and the history of science and technology.
2. Collection. The Museum collects specimens and other materials relevant to natural sciences and preserves them for future generations as a part of humanity's common heritage.
3. Exhibition and Education. The Museum puts its research results and collections to work creating opportunities for people to think about and develop interests in nature, science and technology.

What the National Museum of Nature and Science Aims to Be:

• a Museum that boasts some of the world's finest research and collections and is a beacon in Japan and surrounding countries for the study of natural history and the history of science and technology
• a Museum that elicits surprise, discovery and wonder, evoking the excitement that feeds people's thirst for knowledge
• a proactive Museum that works hard to disseminate scientific knowledge and information about the Museum and museums in general
• an open Museum that enjoys the support of the public, and is run with efficiency and transparency.

Status

Independent Administrative Institution under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Contact Details

National Museum of Nature and Science, Japan

Address: 7-20 Ueno Park,
Taito-ku, 110-8718
Tokyo, Japan
T +81 3 5814 9850
F +81 3 5814 9898
W www.kahaku.go.jp

Director: Mr Masamine Sasaki
Title: Director General
T +81 3 5814 9869
F +81 3 5814 9898

Contact Officer: Mr Toru Inoue
Title: Head Deputy Director, Information & Service Division
Public Relations Department
T +81 3 5814 9861
F +81 3 5814 9898
E inoue@kahaku.go.jp

Contact Officer: Ms Kumino Miura
Title: Assistant, International Affairs
Information & Service Division
Public Relations Department
T +81 3 5814 9869
F +81 3 5814 9898
E kuminom@kahaku.go.jp

Membership Category

Full