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List of libraries in Japan

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This is a list of libraries (図書館, toshokan) in Japan.

Background

Isonokami no Yakatsugu's Nara period Untei (芸亭) is held out to be Japan's first public library, but private libraries, such as Kanazawa Bunko, remained the norm until modern times. The Imperial Library, one of the predecessors to the National Diet Library, was established towards the end of the nineteenth century. In 1948, during the Occupation, the National Diet Library Act (ja) was passed, creating Japan's sole national library,[1] followed in 1950 by the Library Act (ja), the twenty nine articles of which cover both public libraries (公立図書館) (Chapter II) and private libraries (私立図書館) (Chapter III).[2]

National library

Public libraries

As of 2008, there were 3,106 public libraries in Japan: 1 regional library, 62 prefectural libraries, 2,433 city libraries, and 610 town libraries.[1]

Prefectural libraries

Hokkaidō region

Tōhoku region

Kantō region

Chūbu region

Kinki region

Chūgoku region

Shikoku region

Kyūsyū region

Municipal libraries

Special libraries

1,761 institutions were listed in the 2009 Directory of Special Libraries in Japan.[1]

University libraries

In 2007, there were 758 four-year universities in Japan: 86 national, 77 public, 595 private.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Brief Information on Libraries in Japan - Public Libraries". Japan Library Association. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  2. ^ 図書館法 [Museum Act] (in Japanese). elaws.e-gov.go.jp. Retrieved 22 August 2020.