Article 1The purpose of this Act is to provide for necessary matters concerning a public archives, in view of the importance of preserving public records and archives as historical materials, and making them available for use.

Article 2The term "public records and archives" as used in this Act means public records and other records (excluding current ones) which are retained by the national or local governments.

Article 3The national and local government are responsible for taking appropriate measures for the preservation and use of public records and archives that are important as historical materials.

Article 4(1)A public archives is a facility intended for preserving and making available for inspection public records and archives that are important as historical materials (including public records and archives that are important as historical materials retained by the State and other records; the same applies in the following paragraph), as well as for conducting research and study related to those public records and archives

(2)A public archives is to have a director, personnel with expertise who conduct research and study of the public records and archives which are important as historical materials, and necessary personnel.

Article 5(1)The national government or local government establishes a public archives, in addition to what is provided for in the National Archives of Japan Act (Act No. 79 of 1999).

(2)Matters concerning the establishment of a public archives established by a local government must be specified by Ordinance of the local government.

Article 6The national government is to endeavor to provide a local government with the accommodation or mediation of funds necessary for the establishment of a public archives.

Article 7The Prime Minister may provide a local government with technical guidance or advice regarding the administration of a public archives, upon its request.