Architectural Institute of Japan Library: Library (図書館)

About  Architectural Institute of Japan Library

The library offers information resources, which Architectural Institute of Japan (AIJ)  has collected since its founding in 1886 up until 1962.  The AIJ library holds library materials including full copies of AIJ's monthly magazine, Kenchiku Zasshi (建築雑誌), as well as all of the collected papers issued by AIJ, along with architectural books and magazines in Japanese and foreign languages. The library is open to members.

Collection Size:  

• Books: 46,000 volumes
  • Japanese: 40,000  volumes
  • Foreign languages: 6,000 volumes
• Periodicals: 1,200 titles
  • Japanese: 1,000 titles
  • Western languages: 200 titles
  • Newspapers: 10 titles

Notable Collection(s):

• 辰野文庫 (Tatsuno Bunko): Tatsuno Kingo (辰野金吾) was the one of the first Japanese architect  and the founder of AIJ.  The collection includes drawing by Tatsuno for his design office, a commentary on brick construction and books from the Edo period, including castle construction and the art of war, and many more.
• 妻木文庫 (Tsumaki Bunko):Tsumaki Yorinaka (妻木頼黄) was a one of the prominent architects in the Meiji period. The collection includes books about traditional patterns and drawings of folk dwellings, as well as books about Tsumaki's works.
• 雛形本 (Hinagata-bon): The AIJ library keeps 108 practical books for designing traditional patterns or structures of Japanese architecture acquired from a contribution.

Note: The Guide uses the ALA/LC standard romanization, however, it also reflects different romanization system used by an individual institution.

Using the Library

To use the AIJ library regularly, you have to be a member, and you have to obtain the AIJ membership card. For more information on becoming a member, please go to the "How to become a member of AIJ."

Prior to the Visit: Preparation Required

• A  letter of introduction from a regular member. Each letter of introduction is valid for one day (form: Word/ pdf).

Upon arrival:

• The admission fee: 300 yen per entrance. 

• Please show the letter of introduction.

Photocopy:

• Photocopy services are provided in accordance with Japanese copyright laws.

• Copy Fee:
  • Black: 30 yen
  • Color: 120 yen

We are constantly improving the guide contents and we want your opinion.

For all comments and questions about the Guide, please e-mail us:

mlaguide@nccjapan.net