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Waseda University Library’s Kotenseki Sogo Database provides public access to Waseda University Library’s collection of bibliographical information, scholarly materials, and full-text images related to Japanese and Chinese classics. In 2005, the Waseda University Library began digitizing some 300,000 items, including two National Treasures and five Important Cultural Properties, and it continues to enrich the database by constantly incorporating newly acquired materials.

Examples of items in the collection

Handscroll of the Tale of Genji

Portrait of Sugita Genpaku (Important Cultural Property)

Shirando Shingenkai Zu (Important Cultural Property)

Raiki Shihon Sogi (National Trasure)

Owarinokuni Gunji Hyakuseira Gebumi (Important Cultural Property)

Other Japanese and Chinese classics that comprise the database include:

• Pre-Edo period (1600-1868) texts, both prints and manuscripts
• Pre-Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) Chinese and Korean-language materials, both prints and manuscripts
• 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).

For related materials, use the WINE OPAC search tool.

Terms & conditions of use

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. The use of any materials from the database in television broadcasts, publications of any kind (including digital publications, academic journals, and books), exhibitions and websites without permission is strictly prohibited. If you wish to view the material in person, use them in publications of any sort, or borrow them, you must apply for permission in advance and complete the necessary formalities. Please directly contact the Office of Special Collections at the Waseda University Library.

Contact

SPECIAL COLLECTIONS OFFICE, THE WASEDA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Nishiwaseda 1-6-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050
Tel. 03-5286-1754
Fax: 03-5286-1761
Email: tks-info[at]list.waseda.jp (Replace [at] with @)

Related links

• The Power of Original – Japanese and Chinese Classics Online