The (IHA) is an agency of the government of Japan in charge of state matters concerning the Imperial Family, and also the keeping of the Privy Seal and State Seal of Japan. From around the 8th century AD, up until the Second World War, it was known as the . The Agency is unique among conventional government agencies and ministries, in that it does not directly report to the Prime Minister at the cabinet level, nor is it affected by legislation that establishes it as an Independent Administrative Institution. Organization and functions The IHA is headed by the Director-General of IHA, assisted by the Deputy Director of IHA, appointed by the Cabinet. The main organizational positions within the Agency are: the Grand Steward's Secretariat the Board of Chamberlains the Crown Prince's Household the Board of Ceremonies the Archives and Mausolea Department the Maintenance and Works Department the Kyoto Office The current Director-General is . The Agency's headquarters is located within the grounds of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The Agency's duties and responsibilities encompass the daily activities of the Imperial household, such as state visits, organised events, preservation of traditional culture and administrative functions, amongst other responsibilities. The Agency is also responsible for the various Imperial residences located throughout Japan, and also organises guided tours for visitors who wish to tour the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the Katsura Detached Palace, and other residences and locations falling under the IHA's remit. The Agency also holds responsibility for the health, security and travel arrangements of the Imperial family, including maintaining the Imperial line. The Board of the Chamberlains, headed by the Grand Chamberlain, manages the daily life of the Emperor and the Empress, and also holds responsibility for keeping the Privy Seal and State Seal of Japan. The Grand Master of the Board of the Crown Prince's Household helps manage the schedules, dining menus, and household maintenance of the Crown Prince and his family. History The Imperial Household Agency traces its origins back to institutions established by the Taihō Code (or more formally, ) promulgated in 701–702 AD. The system established the namesake , a precursor to the present agency; the former code also gave rise to the , which has its legacy in the under the current agency, and the which oversaw the that would now correspond to the Agency's . The basic structures remained in place until