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From the Archive: NCC's Online Guide to Research Access for Japanese Museums, Libraries, and Archives

NCC’s Online Guide to Research Access for Japanese Museums, Libraries, and Archives, was first launched in 2012 to create a single location for Japan-bound researchers to prepare more efficient and effective research plans. Initially updated each year in March with additional institutions from Japan, then the US and Europe, it is now updated on a rolling basis, as information becomes available. 

The guide launched with fifty popularly-used Japanese academic institutions, providing important information ranging from hours and directions to specifics about collection size and specialties. Prior to the Research Access guide, researchers would have to scour each institution's site to find needed information. NCC’s guide offers that information in an easy-to-use English format that saves researchers time and makes sure they have important information  well before they embark on their research journeys.

Currently, there are over 150 Japanese institutions, 45 North American institutions, and 7 institutions in Europe. In addition to information about physical collections, there is information about what to do prior to visiting and when you arrive as well as contact information for the institution. The guide also lists additional Japanese Studies organizations (including grant-giving organizations) and a glossary of helpful research terms. Institutions are listed alphabetically, but also by subject, giving researchers additional help to find the resources they need. 

With an average of over 500 site visits per month, NCC has seen the continued need for this information, which is particularly useful to researchers who may not have access to a full-time Japanese Studies librarian for guidance and advice.

The Research Access Guide was originally created with support from the Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership. Grants from the Toshiba International Foundation have sustained and expanded this project to include European and North American Institutions. Ongoing infrastructural support to NCC has come from the Japan-US Friendship Commission and through individual and in-kind donations from users of NCC Service. Although this information can change over time, NCC’s professional volunteers work hard to keep information on the site current and hope to continue to expand its offerings for years to come.