National Diet Library (NDL): Main Library

About the Library:

The Tokyo Main Library NDL is located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo next to the National Diet building.  The Google map on the "Access" box shows the general location.  The link directly above show's NDL's map and transportation routes page.  For the first time visitor taking a one-and-a-half hour guided tours the Tokyo Main Library may be a good introduction to services of the NDL.  NDL also has an extraordinarily well developed English language website that warrants the time it takes to learn its navigation

Summary of Services:

National Diet Library's has a wealth of online information with rich content in both Japanese and English.  Summarizing it all in a short entry like this is impossible.  Please take the time to surf their vast site in English or in Japanese.  Please see some highlights below.  

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

Note: NDL is located next to the National Diet and is close to multiple subway and bus lines.

Using the Library

Get to Know the NDL Online: National Diet Library has a wealth of online information with rich content in both Japanese and English.  Summarizing it all in a short entry like this is impossible.  Please take the time to surf their vast site In English or in Japanese. 

For foreign researchers unfamiliar with NDL and its services, please refer to "Frequently asked questions".

NDL is different from any other libraries in Japan and is open to all users over age 18.   Because NDL's collections and services are so massive a good way for a first time visitor to begin is with a guide tour. One-and-a-half hour tours in English with a videotaped introductions can be registered for by contacting:

Branch Libraries and Cooperation Division, Administrative Department, National Diet Library
Fax: +81-3-3508-2934
E-mail: kokusai#ndl.go.jp (Please replace # with @)

Please see additional highlights of NDL's services below.

Off-site User Services:  

With full registration institutional users outside Japan may use materials from NDL's Collections.  Use the Registration page guidelines, a downloadable PDF form is available online. 

New options are available for individual users.  Please see the User Registration section to determine how to register and see what services are available.  

Before you Visit: Fully familiarize yourself with NDL and its collections using their website.  For on-site visits to most NDL collections pre-registration is not required. 

Collections Requiring Special Registration Procedures at the Main Library of the National Diet Library are:

Once applications are approved institutions receive a "certificate of user registration" with and ID number and password for use by mail. 

Photocopy:

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

• NDL staff must handle the photo duplication. 

• Copy Fee: A schedule of copying fees is available online.  

Note: Generally, the collections of the NDL are read within the NDL building and not to be lent out to any individuals.  However overseas users could use  inter library loan and document delivery (ILL/DD) services  to access NDL's materials from their university libraries or other community libraries.  For more information about the NDL's ILL/DD services, please visit NCC's "ILL/DD from NDL" page.

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