Systematization of Data on Japanese life history and its Building Archives

It was early 20th century that discussions about collecting and systematization of life history data finally started. The government of Japan had studied various subjects to manage and preserve life history materials which collected from each region, such as role of scholars or communities. Thus, these ideas had reflected in Japanese cultural policies. This paper contains the tendency of recent researches, systematization of non-letter materials on life history, projects for cultural heritage protection, etc.The archive centre for history takes important role for collecting regional history and preserving data. Specially, these centers are run by communities themselves who transmitted their culture and history. The Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan divided life history materials, regard as cultural heritages, into three categories: Tangible cultural heritage; Intangible cultural heritage; Tangible folk material. The Agency carried out documentation for life history data.Since 1950, the purpose of the documentation is to prepare back-up data for cultural heritage from its discontinuity and damage. Data from the documentation can be used as a recovery point later on. Building database has carried out for effective management and information services to the public since 1990. However, it has been only a few years that scholars paid attention to utilization of data as well as building database. Studies on methodologies for documentation and systematization of data has stated only in 2000. Many scholars are looking for the possibility to research or effective management method of non-letter materials such as body gesture, living instruments, languages, etc. The Agency for Cultural Affairs in Japan is making efforts to preserve life history materials and to provide information service. In this regard, various cultural policies have spread out by the Central Government to create favorable conditions for transmitting life styles in each region. The Government makes sure that community, administrators, and scholars can take their roles.