The Japanese collection is a rich source of information on the history, culture and current affairs of Japan. The collection is the largest in Australia and focuses primarily on modern and contemporary Japan. The major strengths are in the subject fields of the social sciences, especially popular culture and contemporary social issues. Japanese modern history (after 1868 Meiji Restoration) includes the history of Australia-Japan nation to nation and people to people relationships. The collection on Japanese traditional performing and visual arts are also is growing.
A further strength of the Japanese collections is a number of research collections. They include Harold S. Williams Book Collection (on the history of foreign settlements in Japan), Sakakibara Collection and Kegan Paul Collection both on Japanese and East Asian classics.
Harold S. Williams Collection and David Sissons Collection are unique English special collections related to Japan in Manuscript collection.
The collection also includes some visual collections such as woodblock print collection, Kuchie print collection and cardboard game (=sugoroku) collection.
For scholars who do not have access to resources nearby, the Library annually offers Asia Study Grants and a National Library of Australia Fellowship in Japan Studies.
Use of the Japanese collections
Materials in the Japanese Collection may be consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room. Remote users may request material on interlibrary loan through their own library, or request photocopies of items through the Copies Direct service.
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