Skip to Main Content
リサーチNAVIに戻る
Return to Research NAVI

06. 古書資料・貴重書を探す(和書編)／Find Old & Rare Japanese Materials: English

Description

Guide to finding old and rare Japanese materials written roughly before the end of the Edo period.

Reference Sources

There are various books, databases, and other tools to research about Japanese history and Japanese literature, but the following materials are the first ones to be referred to.

Find and Use Honkoku

Honkoku is the material on which the textual information researchers deciphered the original work is typed. Compared to the original material, it is easier to use for the beginners.

Find and Use Facsimiles (reproduction or digital image)

Facsimile edition is the reproduction made by taking photograph of the original text. Recently, the number of libraries which publish on their web sites the digital images of their old and rare materials is increasing. Facsimile can be used as substitutes of original texts. 

Facsimiles in Waseda University Library

Facsimiles of Waseda University Library's Materials

Other Institution’s Material

Find and Use Originals

When you use old and rare materials held by the institutions like university libraries, you must locate where the materials are stored and check if they can be used through the library of the institution you belong to beforehand. In many cases, you will need to submit an application in advance. Please note that it may take several days to several weeks before you can actually browse old or rare books.

Old and rare materials are culturally and historically valuable properties. Most of them require a certain amount of experience and skill to handle. Therefore, it is best that you begin your research with using honkoku or reproductions.

Guides to Deciphering Classical Writings

  Cursive Script Dictionaries and Handbooks (book)
      We have a number of cursive script dictionaries and handbooks including Kuzushiji Kaidoku Jiten (Dictionary of Cursive Character Interpretations). Please browse R728 in Reference Book section.