Waseda University Central Library 25th Anniversary Exhibition Part 2: Japanese Antiquarian Books

Period: Apr. 10 (Mon) – Apr. 27 (Thu), 2017
Venue: Exhibition Room, Waseda University Center for Scholarly Information, 2F
Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
*Closed on Sundays and holidays.
*Everybody is welcome to enter.
A quarter of a century has passed since the opening of the Central Library. During this period, we have digitized the rare materials in the Library and made them available online. This project, with the objective to preserve the valuable materials while promoting their use, earned international recognition. However, it is also true that we still receive requests from many people that they want to look at the actual materials – so, in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Central Library, we decided to exhibit the rare materials in the Library. Including the national treasures which will be displayed for the first time in a decade, various master pieces will be showcased in the three exhibitions with three different themes.

[Apr. 10 – Apr. 27] Waseda University Central Library 25th Anniversary Exhibition Part 2: Japanese Antiquarian Books

Master pieces of Japanese antiquarian books will be exhibited. Last year, Yoshiaki Fukazawa, the first Library director from the science field, and his team made the see-around, virtual reality video clips of Atsumori Emaki and Genji Monogatari Emaki. In this exhibition, their actual materials will be showcased. Also, one of the showpieces Shiratsuyu is the only copy existing in the world, and Futabatei Shimei Nikki which the Library acquired in 2015 will be displayed for the first time.

Coming Up Next

[May. 10 – Jun. 2] Waseda University Central Library 25th Anniversary Exhibition Part 3: The Materials from Across the Sea

The Central Library has been proactively collecting rare materials from foreign countries. In this exhibition titled “The Materials from Across the Sea,” those overseas materials will be showcased. As for Chinese books, the Song dynasty edition of Issaikyō Ongi, known not only for its value as a historic source but for its beauty, will be displayed. Also, as for Western books, The Mirror of the Blessed Life of Jesus Christ, which was created in the 15th century and yet keeps its gorgeous decorations, will be exhibited.