The National Museum of Nature and Science conducts study and research on the history of the earth and life, and the history of science and technology. The Museum's unique advantage is in its ability to promote empirical research based on the collections, and to pursue interdisciplinary research supported by researchers in various fields of natural history and history of science and technology, in ways which are sometimes difficult for universities and other institutions.

Through our research activities, more than 4 million specimens are gathered and evaluated. For the benefit of future generations, the Museum preserves them adequately as part of the National Collections.

This year, the Museum is starting to move the collection and laboratories of the Shinjuku District and the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology to the Tsukuba District. Research functions and collection management that were previously divided between the Shinjuku and Tsukuba Districts will now be concentrated to promote more efficient research in natural history and the history of science and technology and sustain a deeper level of interdisciplinary inquiry. While we regret any inconvenience this transfer may cause you, we hope you will understand and appreciate the improved effectiveness this effort will bring to the activities of the Museum.

This April marks the 10th anniversary of the Museum’s reorganization as an Independent Administrative Institution. It is also the beginning of the Museum’s third mid-term plan period. Based on this new plan, the Museum is tackling a host of projects with new enthusiasm and partnering with a range of other museums, research facilities, corporations and regions. Our goals are to vitalize research activities, to reinforce our role as a center for the national collection, and to serve the community with systematizing educational activities.

On behalf of everyone at the National Museum of Nature and Science, I am sincerely grateful for the continuing encouragement and support of people in the communities we serve.