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Act on UNESCO-Related Activities

Act No. 207 of June 21, 1952

Preamble

Chapter I UNESCO-Related Activities(Articles 1 through 4)

Chapter II Japan National Commission for UNESCO(Articles 5 through 19)

Supplementary Provisions

We, the Japanese people, holding in high regard the significance of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's continuing contributions to bringing about world peace and to furthering the welfare of mankind, and in consideration of the international position that Japan has gained by becoming a member of this organization, are resolved to actively collaborate in the organization's endeavors through the activities of the government and the people, and this Act is hereby enacted in an effort to bring to fruition the United Nations Charter, the Constitution of UNESCO, and the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through education, science, and culture.

Chapter I UNESCO-Related Activities

(Aim of UNESCO-Related Activities)

Article 1The aim of UNESCO-related activities in Japan is to deepen international understanding among the Japanese people, as well as fostering understanding and collaborative relations between the Japanese people and the people of other nations, through education, science, and culture; in keeping with the Constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Convention No. 4 of 1951; hereinafter referred to as the "UNESCO Constitution") and in line with the spirit of the United Nations, and to thereby contribute to global peace and to the welfare of mankind.

(Definitions)

Article 2In this Act, the term "UNESCO-related activities" means activities carried out to bring to fruition the purpose of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (hereinafter referred to as "UNESCO").

(Cooperation with Foreign Organizations)

Article 3UNESCO-related activities in Japan must be developed in collaboration with UNESCO, the United Nations and its specialized agencies, international entities involved in UNESCO-related activities, foreign governments, the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO, and Japanese entities and others involved in UNESCO-related activities.

(Activities by the National and Local Governments)

Article 4(1)In order to achieve the aim referred to in Article 1, as well as the national and local governments' being directly engaged in UNESCO-related activities, on finding it to be necessary to do so, they are to advise and collaborate in the UNESCO-related activities of the private sector.

(2)On finding it to be necessary for promoting UNESCO-related activities in the private sector, the national and local governments may assist with private-sector endeavors pursuant to Cabinet Order.

(3)National- and local-government agencies must work closely with the Japanese National Commission for UNESCO referred to in Article 5 in taking the actions referred to in the preceding two paragraphs.

Chapter II Japanese National Commission for UNESCO

(Establishment)

Article 5The Japanese National Commission for UNESCO (hereinafter referred to as the "National Commission") is established in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as the organization for advice, planning, liaison, and study regarding UNESCO-related activities in Japan, in the spirit of Article 7 of the UNESCO Constitution.

(Scope of Functions and Authority)

Article 6(1)The National Commission will study and deliberate on the following matters when consulted by the relevant ministers, and propose what it finds to be necessary in connection with these matters to the relevant ministers:

(i)matters relating to selection of government delegates to the UNESCO General Conference and a permanent government delegation to UNESCO;

(ii)matters relating to presentation of resolutions to the UNESCO General Conference and other business at the UNESCO General Conference;

(iii)matters relating to participation in international conferences associated with UNESCO, other than the UNESCO General Conference;

(iv)matters relating to conclusion of conventions and other international agreements with a relationship to UNESCO;

(v)matters relating to plans of action for UNESCO-related activities undertaken by Japan;

(vi)matters relating to furtherance of the understanding of citizens about the purpose of UNESCO and UNESCO-related activities;

(vii)matters relating to advice, collaboration, and assistance that should be undertaken for UNESCO-related activities in the private sector; and

(viii)matters relating to basic policies for drafting laws and regulations and formulating a budget for UNESCO-related activities as well as other necessary matters connected with UNESCO-related activities.

(2)If the minister consulting the National Commission or the minister to whom the National Commission is making a proposal under the preceding paragraph is not the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the consultation or proposal is to be made through the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

(3)The National Commission will establish a basic policy for UNESCO-related activities in Japan.

(4)The National Commission will maintain necessary communications and exchange information on UNESCO-related activities with organizations, entities, and others associated with domestic UNESCO-related activities and with the organizations, entities, and others referred to in Article 3.

(5)The National Commission will undertake studies relating to UNESCO-related activities and collect and prepare materials.

(6)The National Commission may hold meetings, distribute publications, and engage in other endeavors necessary to popularize the purpose of UNESCO and UNESCO-related activities.

(7)The National Commission may provide necessary advice to local governments, private organizations, and individuals concerning UNESCO-related activities, and may collaborate with them on those activities.

(Relationship with the Minister of Foreign Affairs)

Article 7(1)In the case where an external task undertaken by the National Commission has a bearing on an external policy of Japan, the National Commission will liaise closely with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

(2)In regard to the handling of an external task by the National Commission, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will provide necessary accommodation to the National Commission, and cooperate with it.

(Composition)

Article 8The National Commission will consist of no more than 60 members.

(Appointment of Commission Members)

Article 9(1)The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology will appoint persons as set forth in the following items as commission members, up to the number set forth in the relevant item.

In this case, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is to appoint the persons set forth in items (i) through (iv) and item (vii) as commission members from among persons who have been selected by the Nomination Subcommittee referred to in Article 13, recommended by the National Commission, and approved by the Cabinet:

(i)persons representing the areas of educational activities, scientific activities, and cultural activities:18 individuals;

(ii)persons representing areas related to education, science, and the diffusion of culture:12 individuals;

(iii)persons representing regional UNESCO-related activities:12 individuals;

(iv)persons with the relevant knowledge or experience:7 individuals;

(v)members of the House of Representatives, as designated by the House of Representatives:4 individuals;

(vi)members of the House of Councillors, as designated by the House of Councillors:3 individuals; and

(vii)government employees:4 individuals.

(2)Necessary matters regarding the standard for selection of commission members are prescribed by Cabinet Order.

(Term of Office of Commission Members)

Article 10(1)The term of a commission member (other than a commission member who is a member of the House of Representatives, a member of the House of Councilors, or a government employee; the same applies in paragraph (2) of this Article and in Article 11, paragraph (1)) is three years; provided, however, that the term of a substituting member is the remaining term of the predecessor.

(2)Commission members may be reappointed.

(3)"Commission member" is a special service position.

(Dismissal of Commission Members)

Article 11(1)In the case where a commission member falls under any of the following items, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology may unilaterally dismiss the commission member:

(i)when the member becomes subject to a decision to commence bankruptcy proceedings;

(ii)when the member is sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier punishment; or

(iii)when the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology finds the commission member to be unable to perform the duties thereof due to a mental or physical disorder, to have breached a professional obligation, or to have engaged in conduct unbecoming a commission member.

(2)The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology must receive the approval of the Cabinet in advance in regard to dismissal of a commission member in a case as referred to in item (iii) of the preceding paragraph.

(Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons)

Article 12(1)The National Commission will have one chairperson and two vice-chairpersons.

(2)The chairperson and vice-chairpersons will be selected by mutual vote from among the commission members and appointed by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

(3)The chairperson will preside over all business of the National Commission and represent it.

(4)The vice-chairpersons assist the chairperson, and the vice-chairperson whom the chairperson designates in advance will act as proxy in handling the duties of the chairperson if the chairperson is unable to attend to them and perform the duties of the chairperson if the position becomes vacant.

(Subcommittees)

Article 13(1)The National Commission will establish a Steering Subcommittee, a Nomination Subcommittee, and Specialized Subcommittees as subcommittees made up of commission members.

(2)The Steering Subcommittee will deliberate on matters relating to the administration of commission business.

(3)The Nomination Subcommittee will study and deliberate on matters relating to selection of individuals that the National Commission should recommend to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as candidates to become commission members.

(4)An Specialized Subcommittee will be established for each field of expertise, to study and deliberate on matters in the respective field of expertise.

(5)If it is necessary to study and deliberate on a particular matter, a person other than a commission member may be appointed to an Specialized Subcommittee as an examiner.

(6)Other than as prescribed in the preceding four paragraphs, necessary matters relating to the subcommittees will be prescribed by Cabinet Order.

(Allowances and Travel Expenses for Commission Members,)

Article 14Commission members and special subcommittee members will receive allowances and travel expenses as separately provided.

(Meetings)

Article 15The chairperson will convene a meeting of the National Commission twice a year; provided, however, that the chairperson may convene additional meetings when it is found to be necessary.

Article 16(1)The National Commission may not hold a meeting or vote on a resolution unless a majority of the commission members are in attendance.

(2)A resolutions will be passed by a majority of commission members present, with the chairperson deciding in the event of a tie.

(3)In a case under the preceding paragraph, the chairperson may not vote as a commission member.

(Delegation of Voting Right)

Article 17Pursuant to the administrative regulations referred to in Article 19, the National Commission may hold the votes of the Steering Subcommittee or the joint votes of the Steering Subcommittee and other subcommittees to be the votes of the National Commission.

(Disposition of Tasks of the National Commission)

Article 18(1)Tasks of the National Commission are performed by either the secretariat or bureau established as an internal subdivision of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or the position prescribed in Article 20, paragraph (1) of the National Government Organization Act (Act No. 120 of 1948) at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology that is set forth by Cabinet Order (referred to as the "department or bureau in charge" in the following paragraph).

(2)The head of the department or bureau in charge (if the department or bureau in charge is a position prescribed in Article 20, paragraph (1) of the National Government Organization Act, this means the individual in that position; referred to as "head of the department or bureau in charge" in the next paragraph) performs the tasks referred to in the preceding paragraph under the general supervision of the chairperson.

(3)The head of the department or bureau in charge may use the title of Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO when handling tasks referred to in paragraph (1), if necessary from the perspective of internationally established practice, in order to advance UNESCO-related activities.

(Administrative Regulations)

Article 19Following a resolution of the National Commission, the chairperson may establish necessary administrative regulations for administration of meetings and subcommittees of the National Commission.

Supplementary Provisions[Extract]

(Effective Date)

(1)The effective date of this Act is prescribed by Cabinet Order within a period not exceeding three months from the date of its promulgation.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 270 of July 31, 1952 Extract][Extract]

(1)This Act comes into effect as of August 1, 1952.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 82 of June 10, 1974 Extract][Extract]

(Effective Date)

(1)This Act comes into effect as of the day prescribed by Cabinet Order, within a period not exceeding three months from the date of promulgation.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 78 of December 2, 1983]

(1)This Act (excluding Article 1)comes into effect as of July 1, 1984.

(2)Cabinet Order may provide for transitional measures that will become necessary for organizations and agencies that have been set in place pursuant to law as of the day before this Act comes into force and which will continue to be in place on and after the day this Act comes into force pursuant to the National Government Organization Act or pursuant to Cabinet Orders based on the relevant Acts as revised by this Act (hereinafter referred to as the "relevant Cabinet Orders"), and may provide for other transitional measures that will become necessary due to the enactment, revision, and abolition of the relevant Cabinet Orders because of this Act coming into force.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 102 of July 16, 1999 Extract][Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the day that the Act Partially Revising the Cabinet Act (Act No. 88 of 1999) comes into force; provided, however, that the provisions set forth in the following items come into effect as of the dates specified in those items:

(ii)Article 10, paragraphs (1) and (5); Article 14, paragraph (3); Article 23; Article 28; and Article 30 of the Supplementary Provisions:the date of promulgation;

(Continuation of Employee Status)

Article 3If not otherwise appointed, a person who, at the time this Act comes into force, works as an employee (other than the president, chairperson, or member of a council referred to in Article 8 of the National Government Organization Act (1948 Act No. 120), a member of the Central Disaster Prevention Council, the chairperson or member of the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee, or anyone Cabinet Order prescribes as similar thereto) of the existing Prime Minister's Office; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Health and Welfare; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of International Trade and Industry; Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications; Ministry of Labour; Ministry of Construction; or Ministry of Home Affairs (referred to as an "existing Ministry" hereinafter in this Article) becomes an equivalent employee of whichever among the Cabinet Office; Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; Ministry of Justice; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Finance; Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology; Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; or Ministry of the Environment existing after this Act comes into force (referred to as a "new Ministry" hereinafter in this Article), or whichever department, bureau, or organization established therein, Cabinet Order prescribes as the new Ministry or department, bureau, or organization established therein, that is equivalent to the existing Ministry or the department, bureau, or organization established therein, to which the person belonged at the time this Act came into effect.

(Transitional Measures Otherwise Prescribed)

Article 30Other than as prescribed from Article 2 through the preceding Article, transitional measures that will become necessary when this Act comes into effect will be separately prescribed by law.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 15-1 of December 8, 1999 Extract][Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of April 1, 2000.

(Transitional Measures)

Article 3With the exception of the following amending provisions, prior laws continue to govern the applicability of amending provisions under this Act to persons with limited legal capacity and their curator whom, pursuant to Article 3, paragraph (3) of the Supplementary Provisions of the Act Partially Amending the Civil Code (Act No. 149 of 1999), it is established that prior laws continue to govern:

(i)provisions amending Article 138 of the Non-Contentious Cases Procedure Act under Article 4;

(ii)provisions amending Articles 14 and 16 of the Notary Act in Article 7;

(iii)provisions amending Article 14-6 of the Teito Rapid Transit Authority Act under the provisions of Article 14;

(iv)provisions amending Article 31 of the Act on Prohibition of Private Monopolization and Maintenance of Fair Trade under the provisions of Article 17;

(v)provisions amending Article 5, paragraph (3) of the National Public Service Act in Article 12

(vi)provisions amending Article 23-13 of the Horse Racing Act; Article 13 of the Japan Racing Association Act; Article 5, paragraph (4) of the Act Establishing the Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Safety Commission; Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Act Establishing the Council for Science and Technology Policy; Article 7, paragraph (4) of the Act Establishing the Space Activities Commission; Article 78, paragraph (4) of the City Planning Act; Article 11 of the Northern Territories Issue Association Act; Article 15, paragraph (4) of the Public Notice of Land Prices Act; Article 6, paragraph (4) of the Act Establishing the Aircraft Accident Investigation Commission; and Article 39, paragraph (5) of the National Land Use Planning Act, under the provisions of Article 28;

(vii)provisions amending Article 25-4 of the Construction Business Act in Article 31;

(viii)provisions amending Article 7, paragraph (1) of the Human Rights Commissioners Act under the provisions of Article 32;

(ix)provisions amending Article 8, paragraph (1) of the Offenders Prevention and Rehabilitation Act under the provisions of Article 33;

(x)provisions amending Article 19-4, paragraph (1) and Article 19-7, paragraph (1) of the Labor Union Act in Article 35;

(xi)provisions amending Article 5-2, paragraph (4) of the Public Office Election Act in Article 44;

(xii)provisions amending Article 80-2 of the Building Standards Act in Article 50;

(xiii)provisions amending Article 426 of the Local Tax Act in Article 54;

(xiv)provisions amending Article 141, paragraph (1) of the Commodity Exchange Act in Article 55;

(xv)provisions amending Article 9, paragraphs (3) and (8) of the Local Public Service Act in Article 56;

(xvi)provisions amending Article 54 of the Eminent Domain Act in Article 67;

(xvii)provisions amending Article 11, paragraph (1) of the Act on UNESCO-Related Activities; Article 7 of the Act Establishing the Public Security Committee; and Article 24 of the Act on Social Insurance Examiners and the Social Insurance Examination Committee under the provisions of Article 70;

(xviii)provisions amending Article 7, paragraph (4) and Article 39, paragraph (2) of the Police Act under the provisions of Article 78;

(xix)provisions amending Article 30 of the Act on Labor Insurance Examiners and the Labor Insurance Appeals Committee; Article 9 of the Act Establishing the Environmental Disputes Coordination Commission; and Article 116 of the Act on Compensation for Pollution-Related Health Damage under the provisions of Article 80;

(xx)provisions amending Article 4, paragraph (2) of the Act on the Organization and Management of Local Educational Administration under the provisions of Article 81;

(xxi)provisions amending Article 75, paragraph (1) of the Act on Mutual Aid Associations for Employees of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Corporations under the provisions of Article 84;

(xxii)provisions amending Article 16, paragraph (2) of the Environmental Pollution Dispute Resolution Act in Article 97;

(xxiii)provisions amending Article 15, paragraph (6) of the Act Governing the Transfer of the Diet and Other Central Government Offices, and Article 13, paragraph (4) of the Act on the Promotion of Decentralization under the provisions of Article 104;

(xxiv)provisions amending Article 25, paragraph (1) of the Bank of Japan Act under the provisions of Article 108; or

(xxv)provisions amending Article 9, item (i) of the Act for Establishment of the Financial Reconstruction Commission under the provisions of Article 110;

Article 4Prior laws continue to govern the applicability of penal provisions to conduct in which a person engages before this Act comes into force.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 160 of December 22, 1999 Extract][Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Act (excluding Articles 2 and 3) comes into effect as of January 6, 2001.

Supplementary Provisions[Act No. 76 of June 2, 2004 Extract][Extract]

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Act comes into effect as of the date on which the Bankruptcy Act (Act No. 75 of 2004; referred to as the "new Bankruptcy Act" in paragraph (8) of the following Article and in Article 3 paragraph (8); Article 5, paragraph (8), paragraph (16), and paragraph (21); Article 8, paragraph (3); and Article 13 of the Supplementary Provisions) comes into effect.

(Delegation to Cabinet Order)

Article 14Other than what is prescribed in Articles 2 through the preceding Article of the Supplementary Provisions, necessary transitional measures for enforcement of this Act will be prescribed by Cabinet Order.