Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties

The , also known as the Nara Research Institute for Cultural Properties or as Nabunken, is a semi-governmental entity which focuses on the preservation of Japan's cultural heritage of objects, artworks and writings.
"Nabunken" is an Independent Administrative Institution (IAI).
History.
"Nabunken" was established in 1972. It's work is divided into departments with different interests, including
In 2001, the Nara Institute and the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo merged.
In 2007, the Research Institutes were merged with the Tokyo National Museum, the Kyoto National Museum, the Nara National Museum and the Kyushu National Museum.