The National Film Archive of Japan (NFAJ) became independent from the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo in 2018 and was opened as the sixth national art museum. As Japan’s only national organization specializing in film, NFAJ collects, preserves, researches, and restores films and related materials such as books, and provides the public with access to films in its collection and its research results through screenings, exhibitions, its library, and seminars. The Archive also works as a hub of film education and international collaboration.
Director General’s Greeting
As Japan’s sole national film institution, the National Film Archive of Japan carries out two core activities: the collection and preservation of films, other moving image media, and related materials, and their public access and dissemination. Our collection serves as a valuable source of information for researchers, a source of inspiration for creators, and a source of vitality for audiences as they go about their daily lives. Meanwhile, film preservation is a battle against time. Risks are always right in front of us, including film deterioration, the obsolescence of digital systems, and the scattering of related materials. To fulfill our mission as a film archive, we sincerely ask for your understanding and support so that our activities may continue without interruption.
AKIRA TochigiDirector General, NFAJ
About Our Collection
In principle, the National Film Archive collects all surviving films, both Japanese and international, as far as possible. Priority is given to films that have deteriorated or are in danger of being discarded or lost, rare films, and films necessary for screenings and international exchange programs. As of March 31, 2022, our collection comprises more than 85,000 dramatic films, cultural and documentary films, animated films, newsreels, and TV films. We also strive to exhaustively collect non-film materials such as books, posters, and still photographs.
