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The 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 current Grand Steward is Shingo Haketa.
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.

Contents

Criticism

References

See also

External links

Criticism

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.
Prince Naruhito, in May 2004, criticised the then-Grand Steward of the Imperial Household, Toshio Yuasa, for putting pressure on Masako Owada, Naruhito's wife, to bear a male child. At a press conference, Naruhito said that his wife had "completely exhausted herself" trying to adapt to royal life, and added "there were developments that denied Masako's career (up to our marriage) as well as her personality."^[1][2][3] It has officially been stated that Masako is suffering from an "adjustment disorder", but there has been extensive speculation in the press that she is suffering from clinical depression as a result of her treatment by Imperial Household officials.^[4]

References

1. The Future of Japan's Monarchy, ''Time Asia'' Magazine
2. Imperial family exposed to media speculation in 2004, Japan Policy and Politics, 10 Jan 2005
3. Crown prince back in Japan, will not meet press, Japan Policy and Politics, May 24 2004
4. About a boy: Dynasty, Japan-style, ''The Independent on Sunday'', 8 July 2007

See also

★ Chamberlain of Japan

External links

★ Kunaicho Homepage

★ Kunaicho |History