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Imperial Household Agency




The Imperial Household Agency ( in charge of the state matters concerning Japan's Royal Family . Before the Second World War , it was called the '''Imperial Household Ministry''' (宮内省 kunaishō). Since 6 January 2001 the Agency has been headed by a Grand Steward, and is assisted by a Vice-Grand Steward.

The Agency comprises the Grand Steward's Secretariat, the Board of Chamberlains, the Board of the Ceremonies, Archives and Mausolea Department, Maintenance and Works Department, the Crown Prince's household and the Kyoto Office.

The agency's headquarters is located within the grounds of the Imperial Palace In Tokyo . Apart from the responsibilites of the daily runnings, such as State Visit s, organising events, preservation of traditional culture, administrative functions, etc., the agency is also responsible for the various imperial Residence s scattered throughout the country. Visitors who wish to tour the Kyoto Gosho , the Katsura Detached Palace , and other sites, should register for guided tours with the agency first.

The Agency has frequently been criticized for isolating members of the Imperial Family from the Japanese public, and for insisting on hidebound customs rather than permitting a more approachable, populist monarchy. These criticisms have become more muted in recent years; Emperor Akihito has himself done much to make the Japanese monarchy less aloof.


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