3.

Q:

Are all the government documents and records in the National Archives open to the public?

A:

The statutes pertaining to the National Archives (go to pertinent statutes link) limits the use of documents affecting personal privacy, etc. Ledgers and notebooks containing such information is catalogued as either "nondisclosure" or "must screen."

4.

Q:

How do I look up documents of the collection?

A:

If you press the Document Search button above, you will jump to the National Archives Catalogue Database. There are two kinds of document search: i) Government Documents and Records Search Subsystem and ii) Naikaku Bunko Search Subsystem for classics and manuscripts. See the Detailed User Guide for each subsystem for detailed search tips.

5.

Q:

What does "must screen" mean? Am I allowed to browse "must screen" ledgers?

A:

Ledgers or notebooks that are "must screen" are documents that may contain material subject to limitations of use by the general public under the statutes pertaining to the National Archives. You will have to wait for some time after applying to see a ledger, as we will run a content check. Given that you may not be able to access the ledger on the same day, depending on its content, please ask the National Archives about the designation of the ledger.

6.

Q:

Do you have any documents about Cabinet decisions?

A:

We hold documents dating from the establishment of the Cabinet system in 1885 to around 1970. Archives up to 1896 are stored in the Government documents and records Collection, while those archived since 1897 are stored under Cabinet Documents (transferred FY1999).

  Documents up to 1945 are entirely open. Documents from 1946 onwards are "must screen." Documents from 1955 onwards take a particularly long time to screen, so please make an enquiry prior to coming to the National Archives for these documents. We operate a queue process for screening, and we accept up to five requests per day per person for "must screen" documents. As soon as screening is complete, we will contact you (by fax or email, etc.) to tell you what day you may see the document(s).

7.

Q:

If I want to look up the career of a famous person, what sort of documents does National Archives have?

A:

Since 1871, we have documents relating to the appointment and dismissal of people in positions above a certain level, as well as documents relating to the decorations and positions of ordinary citizens. These are listed below. However, all documents are catalogued in order of date, therefore searches must be made by date of appointment or decoration. There are some government documents and records with names on them, but in the case of regular personnel transfers or regular awards, only the name of one representative is recorded, not the name of every person concerned. They are not necessarily found on all resumes, etc. either. (Insert separately attached Excel table here)