Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has expressed his intention to promote the country's culture, as the Agency for Cultural Affairs transfers part of its functions from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Some work in the new location will begin on Monday. The government decided in 2016 to relocate the agency commissioner's office and five out of its nine divisions to Kyoto. The move is part of efforts to reduce the concentration of its administrative system in the capital, as well as to revitalize regional economies. About 390 personnel, or about 70 percent of the agency's staff, are expected to be working in Kyoto by May 15.

The new office is housed in a renovated facility that formerly served as the prefectural police department's headquarters and an adjacent new six-story building.

Local officials and others were invited on Sunday to see some of the rooms, including the commissioner's office.

At a ceremony held in Kyoto, Kishida said the agency is the first of the central government's ministries and agencies to relocate.

He said he would like to take advantage of this move to present new cultural programs from Kyoto. Initiatives will include developing a facility tasked with restoring cultural assets and promoting the country's architecture, such as Kyoto's traditional townscape.

Kishida also described the relocation as a sign of a new work style in the post-pandemic era. He said he expects officials to use video conferencing and other means to work flexibly from anywhere.