Using the Archives

• How to Use
• Reading Room Rules
• Obtaining Copies of Records
• Business Days and Hours
• Contact Us
• Visiting the Archives
• Access
• Conditions for Accessing Archival Records

How to Use

1. 
   Step 1.Search by catalogs

   Please select the records (file numbers and file names) you wish to use from the “Catalogs of Archival Records”(available in Japanese), based on your research topic.
   ◆ You can efficiently search records by downloading the CSV catalog and using the filter function to narrow down the records.
2. 
   Step 2.Contact via email

   Please contact us in advance via email or phone, etc., providing the file numbers of the records you selected in Step 1 and/or an outline of your research (including needs and purposes, etc.).
   

   ◆ Contact information ◆
   Email : imes.archives(at)boj.or.jp
   Replace (at) with @.
   Tel : +81-3-3277-2151
   
3. 
   Step 3.Preparation period

   The Archives will search and specify records to be used.
   The Archives will contact you when we are ready.

1. 
   Step 4.Submit the “Request for Use Form”

   Please fill out a「歴史的公文利用請求書」“Request for Use Form” 〔Word or PDF〕 and submit it to the following address.
   
   Please submit the form via:
   

   Email :

   imes.archives(at)boj.or.jp
   Replace (at) with @.
   Please send via email if possible.

   Post

   Archives, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan
   2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN 103-8660

2. 
   Step 5.Screening period

   In principle, the Archives will screen the records you requested within 30 days (this period may be extended) to determine whether there is any information to be restricted.
3. 
   Step 6.Notification of screening results

   The Archives will send you a “Notice of Decision to Use Archival Records” and a “Archival Records Viewing Method Request” form.
4. 
   Step 7.Submit the “Archival Records Viewing Method Request” form

   Please fill out the “Archival Records Viewing Method Request” form sent to you in Step 6 and send it back to us, indicating how you would like to view the requested records (viewing only, or receive copies [for a fee]), and the desired date of visit.
   
   Please submit the form via:
   

   Email :

   imes.archives(at)boj.or.jp
   Replace (at) with @.
   Please send via email if possible.

   Post

   Archives, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan
   2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN 103-8660

5. 
   Step 8.Viewing or obtaining copies

   ◆ Viewing ◆
   ・Please reserve your viewing date and time before visiting. When you visit us, you can take pictures of our records with your camera or other devices (free of charge).
   

   ◆ Obtaining copies ◆
   ・You will receive a 「歴史的公文の写し交付手数料等請求書」 “Request Form for Payment of Copying Fees for Archival Records”.
   Please pay the fee by money transfer or directly.
   ・You will receive the copies upon payment confirmation.

Reading Room Rules

• An appointment is required.
• Photocopying is not permitted. Users are permitted to use their own cameras (including cell phones) without a flash to make copies.
• Pencils must be used at all times to prevent any damage to or contamination of the materials.
• No food or drink is permitted in the reading room.
• Bags or other belongings must be placed in a locker and are not permitted to be brought into the reading room.

Obtaining Copies of Records

As noted above, you can obtain a copy for a fee.
You can choose between the following two payment options.

1) Cash payment

Please pay directly at the Archives.

2) Payment by wire transfer to the Japan Post Bank account of the Archives

* If you wish to receive copies of records, the fee cannot be transferred from abroad.
The fee must be transferred within Japan.

＜Money transfers from Japan Post Bank＞

＜Money transfers from financial institutions other than Japan Post Bank＞

• The payer is responsible for paying any money transfer fees.
• Please keep the “Receipt of Transfer Payment” issued by the financial institution (proof of payment) until you receive copies of records.

Business Days and Hours

Available except for the following days.

• Saturdays and Sundays
• Holidays stipulated in the Act on National Holidays (Law No. 178 of 1948).
• December 28 to January 4
• Temporary closing days.
  The schedule of temporary closures will be announced on this website in advance.

Business Hours

• 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Us

Address

Archives, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies, Bank of Japan
2-1-1 Nihonbashi-Hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo JAPAN 103-8660

Email

imes.archives(at)boj.or.jp
Replace (at) with @.

Tel

+81-3-3277-2151

Visiting the Archives

For security reasons, visitors are required to present valid photo identification.

Access

The Archives reading room (reservation required) is located on the 8th floor of the Annex Building.

Location　1-3-1 Nihonbashi-Hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
(This is different from the Contact Address above.)

Subway

1-min. walk from Mitsukoshimae Station on the Hanzomon Line (Exit B1)
2-min. walk from Mitsukoshimae Station on the Ginza Line (Exit A5)
6-min. walk from Nihonbashi Station on the Tozai Line (Exit A4)

JR

8-min. walk from Tokyo Station's Nihonbashi Exit
9-min. walk from Kanda Station's South Exit

Conditions for Accessing Archival Records

• Under the Public Records and Archives Management Act, which came into effect on April 1, 2011, all requested records will be screened beforehand to protect the confidentiality of information.
  Some records may not be made available if they include information such as personal information, sensitive information about corporations and other entities, or information posing a potential threat to national and public security, or if they are in poor physical condition or risk being damaged when handled.
  Regarding the availability of a specific record, you are advised to contact the Archives well in advance and before making travel arrangements.

Rules and forms

• Rules for Use of Bank of Japan Archives, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies (Japanese) (287KB)
• Procedures and Precautions for Using Archival Records at Bank of Japan Archives, Institute for Monetary and Economic Studies (Japanese) (335KB)
• Related Regulations, Forms, etc. (Japanese)

Some of the Archival Records are available in the Online Gallery (Japanese).