Visit the National Archives during Golden Week! Special Exhibition of the Original 'Constitution of Japan'
The National Archives of Japan will display the original document of the Constitution of Japan from April 29 to May 6, 2026, in celebration of Constitution Memorial Day. This is a rare opportunity to see the actual historical document normally replaced by a replica.
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The National Archives of Japan (located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Kaoru Kamata) will display the original document created during the promulgation of the 'Constitution of Japan' from April 29 (Wednesday/Holiday) to May 6 (Wednesday/Holiday) to coincide with Constitution Memorial Day (May 3).
1. About the Special Exhibition of the Original
May 3 (Sunday/Holiday) is Constitution Memorial Day. The Tokyo Main Building of the National Archives will host a special exhibition of the original 'Constitution of Japan' in its permanent exhibition room from April 29 (Wednesday/Holiday) to May 6 (Wednesday/Holiday).
While a replica is usually displayed in the permanent exhibition 'The Path of Japan,' please take this opportunity to see the actual document.
*In the current fiscal year, the original will only be exhibited for a total of 11 days: 8 days from April 29 to May 6, and 3 days from October 31 to November 3 (closed on November 2).
Period: April 29 (Wed/Holiday) – May 6 (Wed/Holiday), 2026
Hours: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM (*Until 8:00 PM on Friday, May 1)
*Open daily during the period, admission free, no reservation required.
Location: National Archives of Japan, Tokyo Main Building (3-2 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku), Permanent Exhibition Room.
[About the Promulgation/Enforcement of the Constitution and Constitution Memorial Day]
The Constitution of Japan was promulgated on November 3, 1946, and came into force on May 3 of the following year. It defines the Emperor as the symbol of the state and establishes the fundamental principles of popular sovereignty, respect for fundamental human rights, and pacifism, while also providing for the renunciation of war, the separation of powers, the Diet as the highest organ of state power, and the guarantee of local autonomy.
On July 20, 1948, the 'Act on National Holidays' was promulgated and enforced. Under this law, May 3 was designated as 'Constitution Memorial Day' to commemorate the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan and to look forward to the nation's growth.
2. Introduction of Related Content
[Digital Exhibition 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan']
For those who find it difficult to visit, please check out the digital exhibition 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan' on our website. It introduces the Constitution of Japan as well as documents in our collection created during the enactment process.
[Exhibition Catalog 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan']
Exhibition catalogs are sold on the 1st floor of the Tokyo Main Building and are also available via mail order. The catalog for the 2017 special exhibition 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan' includes every page of the Constitution! Check our website for mail order details.
For more information on the special exhibition and related content, please visit the National Archives website (https://www.archives.go.jp/exhibition/).
[Overview]
Special Exhibition of the Original 'Constitution of Japan'
Period: April 29 (Wed) – May 6 (Wed), 2026
*Open daily, free admission, no reservation required.
Location: Permanent Exhibition Room, Tokyo Main Building, National Archives of Japan
3-2 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0091
Access: 5-minute walk from Takebashi Station (Exit 1b) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
Hours: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM (*Open until 8:00 PM on Friday, May 1).
Contact: Exhibition Section (Nagae, Asai, Suzuki) TEL: 03-6680-7206
1. About the Special Exhibition of the Original
May 3 (Sunday/Holiday) is Constitution Memorial Day. The Tokyo Main Building of the National Archives will host a special exhibition of the original 'Constitution of Japan' in its permanent exhibition room from April 29 (Wednesday/Holiday) to May 6 (Wednesday/Holiday).
While a replica is usually displayed in the permanent exhibition 'The Path of Japan,' please take this opportunity to see the actual document.
*In the current fiscal year, the original will only be exhibited for a total of 11 days: 8 days from April 29 to May 6, and 3 days from October 31 to November 3 (closed on November 2).
Period: April 29 (Wed/Holiday) – May 6 (Wed/Holiday), 2026
Hours: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM (*Until 8:00 PM on Friday, May 1)
*Open daily during the period, admission free, no reservation required.
Location: National Archives of Japan, Tokyo Main Building (3-2 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku), Permanent Exhibition Room.
[About the Promulgation/Enforcement of the Constitution and Constitution Memorial Day]
The Constitution of Japan was promulgated on November 3, 1946, and came into force on May 3 of the following year. It defines the Emperor as the symbol of the state and establishes the fundamental principles of popular sovereignty, respect for fundamental human rights, and pacifism, while also providing for the renunciation of war, the separation of powers, the Diet as the highest organ of state power, and the guarantee of local autonomy.
On July 20, 1948, the 'Act on National Holidays' was promulgated and enforced. Under this law, May 3 was designated as 'Constitution Memorial Day' to commemorate the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan and to look forward to the nation's growth.
2. Introduction of Related Content
[Digital Exhibition 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan']
For those who find it difficult to visit, please check out the digital exhibition 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan' on our website. It introduces the Constitution of Japan as well as documents in our collection created during the enactment process.
[Exhibition Catalog 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan']
Exhibition catalogs are sold on the 1st floor of the Tokyo Main Building and are also available via mail order. The catalog for the 2017 special exhibition 'The Birth of the Constitution of Japan' includes every page of the Constitution! Check our website for mail order details.
For more information on the special exhibition and related content, please visit the National Archives website (https://www.archives.go.jp/exhibition/).
[Overview]
Special Exhibition of the Original 'Constitution of Japan'
Period: April 29 (Wed) – May 6 (Wed), 2026
*Open daily, free admission, no reservation required.
Location: Permanent Exhibition Room, Tokyo Main Building, National Archives of Japan
3-2 Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0091
Access: 5-minute walk from Takebashi Station (Exit 1b) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
Hours: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM (*Open until 8:00 PM on Friday, May 1).
Contact: Exhibition Section (Nagae, Asai, Suzuki) TEL: 03-6680-7206