Supporting Members (Individuals)

Donations

Since its founding in 1877, the National Museum of Nature and Science (Kahaku) has served as Japan’s only national comprehensive science museum. The museum collects and preserves specimens related to nature and science and technology, and based on this research, conducts exhibitions and learning support activities. Through these efforts, Kahaku provides visitors with opportunities to engage with nature and science and to feel a closer connection to them, while also offering a space to reflect on the Earth, life, and the role of science and technology.
While the museum’s primary funding comes from government grants, as an independent administrative institution, we also strive to rationalize our operations and secure self-generated revenue, including admission fees. For future initiatives, it will be necessary to secure new sources of funding in order to collaborate with regional museums and other institutions, actively utilize the museum’s resources, and develop projects that contribute to the advancement of a science- and technology-driven nation and the conservation of biodiversity.
In light of these circumstances, we have established the “Supporting Members Program for the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum of Nature and Science.” By broadly soliciting donations, the program promotes initiatives such as projects to enhance young people’s interest in natural science, events in collaboration with regional museums and other institutions, and activities related to the production, acquisition, preservation, and restoration of specimens and materials. These initiatives play an essential role in the multifaceted development of the museum’s activities. We sincerely hope for your support of this initiative and your kind cooperation.

Membership Categories and Fees

This is an annual donation-based membership program. Members may choose to renew their membership each year.
A membership card and a donation receipt will be issued to all contributors. Individual donors may be eligible for tax deductions when filing their income tax returns.
*For information on tax benefits, please see here.
Each year, we report to our members on the activities made possible through their donations, both in print and at a briefing session.
Membership fees are requested in units of 10,000 yen.

Categories	Membership fees
Bronze	30,000 yen or mor
Silver	50,000 yen or mor
Gold	100,000 yen or mor
Platinum	500,000 yen or mor
Diamond	1,000,000 yen or mor

Benefits

Benefits vary depending on the membership category.		Bronze	Silver	Gold	Platinum	Diamond
1	Admission to the Ueno District permanent exhibitions (including special exhibitions), Tsukuba Botanical Garden, and the Institute for Nature Study. *Includes free admission for the member and one accompanying guest. Please present your Supporting Member Card to receive this benefit.	Up to 2 people (the member and one accompanying guest)
2	Special Exhibition Invitation Tickets ※The number of tickets provided for each special exhibition is determined based on membership tier.	1 ticket per exhibition	3ticket per exhibition	5 ticket per exhibition	10 ticket per exhibition	20ticket per exhibition
3	10% discount at the Museum Shop *Excludes books and already discounted items. The 10% discount applies only to items at the museum shop within the permanent exhibitions. Please present your Supporting Member Card to receive this benefit.	〇	〇	〇	〇	〇
4	5% discount at the Museum’s restaurant and cafe *5% discount applies to food and beverages at Restaurant Museion and Kujira Cafe. Please present your Supporting Member Card to receive this benefit.	〇	〇	〇	〇	〇
5	Invitation to the Activity Report Meeting: Supporting Members Appreciation Event *This event may be held online.	〇	〇	〇	〇	〇
6	Invitation to Special Exhibition Opening Ceremonies and Preview Events *Please note that some special exhibitions may not hold opening ceremonies or preview events.	―	〇	〇	〇	〇
7	Mailing of the Newsletter Kahaku Days *Kahaku Days is a publication that introduces the museum’s current activities and future initiatives.	―	〇	〇	〇	〇
8	Mailing of the Nature and Science Magazine milsil *milsil is a quarterly magazine published by the museum.	―	〇	〇	〇	〇
9	Listing of Member Names on the Museum Website *Your name will be displayed on the Supporting Members page of the museum website (optional).	―	〇	〇	〇	〇
10	Display of Member Names in the Museum *Your name will be displayed on the Supporting Members plaque in the basement of the Ueno Main Building (optional).	―	―	〇	〇	〇
11	Priority reservations for ComPaSS: Exploration Area for Families with Children *Priority reservation for ComPaSS: Exploration Area for Families with Children, located on the 3rd floor of the Global Gallery. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance. Please contact the Supporting Members Office with your desired date, time, and number of participants. The Supporting Members Office will coordinate with the ComPaSS staff and get back to you. Up to 6 people (must include at least one adult and one child, including the member).	―	―	Once a year	Once a year	Once a year
		―	―	Up to 6 people	Up to 6 people	Up to 6 people
12	Invitation to the Researchers’ Premium Lecture Series *These are small-group lectures hosted by the museum, usually held once a year on a designated date. This event may be held online.	―	―	―	Once a year (up to 1 person)	Once a year (up to 2 people)
13	Discounts on Facility Rental Fees *Facility use procedures are required. Please contact us for details.	―	―	―	〇	〇
14	Special Commendation by the President	―	―	―	―	Once a year
15	Admission Discount at the National Museum of Ethnology *You can visit the National Museum of Ethnology at a discounted (group) rate. Please note that some exhibitions may not be eligible for the discount.	〇	〇	〇	〇	〇

How to Join

You can apply using either a credit card or bank transfer.
There are two types of Supporting Members: Individual Members, who join on their own, and Gift Members, who can give membership benefits to others.

*Please note that applicants are responsible for any application fees.
*After your payment is confirmed, we will complete your membership registration and send you your membership card.
If you do not receive it within one month of payment, please contact us at the inquiry address below.
*The personal information you provide will be used solely for managing the membership system and sending notifications to members.

Activities Funded by Supporting Members’ Fees

Membership fees from our supporting members are used to enhance young people’s interest in the natural sciences, to organize collaborative events with regional museums, and to create, acquire, preserve, and restore specimens and materials. These contributions help strengthen the activities of our museum as well as museums across the country.

Supporting Members Activities NEWS

Information on activities and events carried out by our supporting members will be shared as “Supporting Members Activities NEWS” whenever updates are available. Please take a look.