Center for the History of Japanese Industrial Technology

Overview

The mission of the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology is to put the history of technology to work in the service of the future.

After World War II, Japan entered an era of unprecedented economic growth. This growth did not spring out of nothing; it was built on a solid foundation of industrial technology erected during the Meiji era (1868-1912).

The physical remnants of these earlier industrial technologies, which trace the footsteps of the ancestors of Japan's modern industry, are now in danger of being lost. As the structure of Japanese industry changes, production facilities are moved overseas and the architects of postwar industrial technology pass the torch to the next generation, the vestiges of these periods of transformation and progress are rapidly disappearing.  

To confirm the existence of artifacts that testify to the stage of industrial-technology development in Japan, and to house and make use of them, the Museum established the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology. Working in partnership with industrial associations, academic bodies and various administrations, the Center strives to confirm the existence artifacts of the history of industrial technology throughout Japan, gathers and publishes information about these artifacts, and conducts research on the interactions between the development of industrial technology and changes in society, culture and the economy.

From among this collection of artifacts clearly related to the history of industrial technology, the Center selects "important specimens from the history of science and technology," items that clearly need to be preserved for future generations. Through a range of educational and exhibition activities, the Center makes these artifacts, and their significance, known to the academic world and the broader public.

At the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology, we preserve these national treasures, passing the experience of the pioneers who created these industrial technologies to new generations. These knowledge assets provide a base of information that can play a valuable role in developing the technical revolutions of the future.

Operations

Survey of materials on the history of industrial technology

The Center defines as "materials on the history of industrial technology" materials known to have supported the development of industrial technology in Japan, as well as artifacts that testify to various stages of its progress. In each field of technology, the Center collaborates with related industrial associations and academic groups to determine where and how such artifacts and other materials may be found.
Survey results are accumulated in a database, which is published on the Internet.

Forming a network for the Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology

Organically linking museums connected to enterprises in every region and museums based on industrial-technology themes, the Center encourages mutual cooperation to establish a knowledge network, enabling the discovery of past, present and future industrial technologies.

Selection of important specimens from the history of science and technology and registration in ledgers

From a vast number of systematically organized, value-appraised specimens from the history of science and technology, the Center selects those it deems especially important and designates them as "important specimens from the history of science and technology." By recording this information in ledgers prepared and organized on its premises, the Center plays a vital role in preserving these precious national assets.

Planned exhibitions and lectures

Through lectures and planned exhibitions conducted many times throughout the year, the Center publishes the results of its investigations.

History of Science and Technology Research Group

The History of Science and Technology Research Group conducts research on the development of science, technology, and engineering. We oversee collections of historical materials related to these fields and work to research, organize, and permanently preserve them.

The main collections include materials related to aircraft, automobiles, machinery, electricity, computers, architectural models, weights and measures, Japanese railway equipment, records of Western studies, and commemorative materials certified by numerous academic organizations.

Surveying Industrial Technology Historical Materials	We collaborate with industrial associations, academic societies, and government agencies to locate and catalog historical materials related to industrial technology. The collected information is made publicly available in a database.
Research on the Systematization of Technology	We conduct research on the interrelationships between technological advancements, society, culture, and the economy. Through this process, we organize historical knowledge systematically and assess the value of industrial technology materials. This systematization of technology is carried out by experts in each technological field as well as specialized institutions.
Selection and Registration of Important Materials	We identify and register historically significant industrial technology materials to be preserved for future generations. Selected materials are designated as “Essential Historical Materials for Science and Technology” (nicknamed “MIRAI Technology Heritage”) to ensure their long-term preservation and promote public awareness.
Outreach and Cultural Promotion	To foster a greater appreciation for industrial technology as cultural heritage, we collaborate with corporate museums and industrial technology museums, organize exhibitions, and host public lectures.