Imperial Household Agency

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Imperial Household Agency building on the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo

The Imperial Household Agency (宮内庁, Kunaichō^?) is a government agency of Japan in charge of the state matters concerning Japan's imperial family and also keeping the Privy Seal and the State Seal. 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 responsibilities of the daily runnings, such as state visits, organising events, preservation of traditional culture, administrative functions, etc., the agency is also responsible for the various imperial residences 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 responsibility for the health, security and travel arrangements of the Imperial family, including maintaining the Imperial line. A "Grand Master of the Household" helps manage the schedules, dining menus, and household maintenance for the family.

The Agency differs from normal Japanese agencies in that it does not directly report to the Prime Minister at the cabinet level.

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.