ABOUT THE DATABASE

The purpose of this database is to provide the widest possible public access to the Waseda University Library’s collection of Japanese and Chinese classics, in the form of bibliographical information, related scholarly materials, as well as full-text images.
The collection of some 300,000 items, including two National Treasures and five Important Cultural Properties, comprises materials of every conceivable genre. You can access detailed bibliographical information and clear, full-color images.
Note that the materials contained in the database are collected and managed by the Special Collections Office of the Waseda University Library. Enquiries concerning individual items as well as requests to view items in person should be made directly to the Special Collections Office. Should you wish to make use of any of the images, please see the following link.

WHAT KINDS OF ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE DATABASE?

The project to digitalize the approximately 300,000 items in the Japanese and Chinese Classics Collection of the Waseda University Library, both as bibliographical information and images, began in 2005. We continue to work towards enriching the database, constantly incorporating new materials acquired by the Library.

The Japanese and Chinese classics that comprise the database include the following types of materials:

1. Pre Edo period (1600-1868) texts, both printed and manuscript.
2. Pre Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) Chinese- and Korean-language materials, both printed and manuscript.
3. 3. Japanese primary sources from earliest times through the modern period, including documents, letters, manuscripts, rubbings, etc.

There are also a few western-language books used by Edo-period students of Dutch Studies (Rangaku), also known as Western Studies (Yōgaku).

USING IMAGES FROM THE DATABASE

Should you wish to make use of any of the images available in the database, please apply to the Special Collections Office of the Library in advance and complete the necessary formalities. “Use” includes viewing materials in person; reproducing images in publications (books and journals, including digital publications), in television broadcasts, or on homepages; displaying them in exhibitions, etc.

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS OFFICE OF THE WASEDA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Most of the materials in the database are classified by the Special Collections Office of the Waseda University Library as old books and/or rare books. Should you wish to view any of the materials in person, please contact the Office at the address below.
Nishiwaseda 1-6-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050
Tel. 03-5286-1754 Fax: 03-5286-1761
Email: tks-info[at]list.waseda.jp (Please replace [at] with @.)