Documents of the Shimazu Family

The Shimazu Family Documents contain more than 700 years of records, including diaries, maps, and official papers from this powerful clan's administration.

The collection achieved National Treasure status in 2002, following its previous designation as Important Cultural Property of Japan during earlier preservation efforts.

These archives illuminate the administrative practices, social structures, and diplomatic relations of the Shimazu clan during their rule in the Satsuma region.

Researchers need authorization from the Historiographical Institute to access the documents, which remain under strict preservation conditions at the University of Tokyo.

The collection includes a letter from Commodore Perry and the Seong-un Memorandum from 1597, documenting interactions between Japan and foreign nations.

Location: Bunkyo

Address: 東京都文京区本郷7-3-1

GPS coordinates: 35.71104,139.76060

Latest update: March 9, 2025 09:19