Tōsho Bunko, Art deco textbook library in Kita Ward, Tokyo, Japan
Tōsho Bunko is a specialized library in Kita Ward devoted to collecting and preserving textbooks and educational materials. The building uses reinforced concrete construction across two floors with multiple storage levels for its extensive holdings.
The library was founded in 1936 as Japan's first facility dedicated solely to textbook collection and study. It was established in partnership with Tokyo Shoseki Co., a major textbook publisher.
The collection reflects how Japanese education has evolved through different periods and what role printed materials played in teaching. Walking through the shelves, visitors encounter textbooks that shaped how generations of students learned.
Visitors must arrange an appointment in advance to access the collection or take guided tours of the facility. Getting in touch with the library beforehand helps ensure you can see what interests you most.
The building received official recognition as a tangible cultural property of Kita Ward in 1999, with approximately half of its collection designated as nationally important cultural assets. This dual recognition highlights the value of both the structure and its holdings for understanding Japanese educational history.
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