History of the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster

1948　　Fire Research Institute was founded (a division within the National Fire Defense Agency).
　　　　Clerical Office, Technical Section and Inspection Section were established.
1951　　Clerical Office was converted to General Affairs Section. 
1952　　Became attached to the National Fire Defense Headquarters. Test Section was founded.   
1960　　Became attached to the Fire Defense Agency, as Ministry of Home Affairs was created.
1961　　Status of the Technical Section was elevated to that of Research Division. 
1963　　The Research Division was expanded to be divided into the First Research Division 
　　　　and the Second Research Division. The Japan Fire Equipment Inspection Institute was 
　　　　established and control of official testing business was transferred to this Institute. 
 　　　　The Test and Inspection Sections were discontinued. 
1969　　The Third Research Division was founded, and the post of Special Research Member 
　　　　was appointed. 
1982　　Deputy Director General (Research Planning Director) was appointed, 
　　　　and the post of Special Research Member was discontinued.
1984　　The Institute became a part of the Fire Defense Agency organizations. 

Kamakura Kaido

　There is a tree-lined walk called the "Kamakura Kaido" in the National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster. It has woods of Japanese and Sawtooth oaks around it. The Kamakura Kaido was a route along which the samurai of the Kanto and surrounding areas traveled to Kamakura, the headquarters of shogunal administration. This route was also used to transport goods from various provinces. Three Kamakura routes (the Upper, Middle and Lower routes) passing through Musashino are representative of the Kamakura Kaido.