Introduction

The National Diet Library celebrated the 70th anniversary of its establishment in 2018. We would like to express our sincere gratitude for all of your past support and cooperation.

The collection of the library inherited those of the prewar diet library and the Imperial Library, and currently consists of approximately 43 million items. These items consist of a core of a wide range of domestic publications collected through the legal deposit system, along with a variety of other historically and culturally valuable domestic and foreign materials which were acquired through purchase, donations, and exchanges with overseas libraries and other institutions, as well as various other means. The National Diet Library maintains and provides these works for use as cultural assets and intellectual resources collectively owned by the people of Japan.

In celebration of the 70th anniversary, "A Treasure Box of Books - The 70-year History of the National Diet Library and Its Collections" exhibition was held from October to December 2018. It consisted of Part 1, which introduced the history of the National Diet Library, and Part 2, which introduced a variety of material through diverse viewpoints. The exhibition featured approximately 180 items from the library's collections. The majority of these items have been included in this digital exhibition.

We would be happy if you develop a better understanding of the library's history, materials, and future initiatives while you enjoy the exhibition.