Shochiku Otani Library, Theater and film library in Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan
Shochiku Otani Library is a specialized collection in Tsukiji focused on Japanese theater and cinema. It houses scripts, photographs, scholarly works, and archival materials related to kabuki, film, and stage productions from different periods.
The library was founded in 1958 to honor Takeshiro Otani, a co-founder of Shochiku. Its initial funding came from a pension Otani received as recognition for his contributions to cultural life.
The collection documents kabuki performances and other traditional theatrical forms that continue to be performed in Japan today. Visitors can explore how these art forms have evolved and what role they play in the cultural life of the country.
The library is located in central Tokyo and is accessible on weekdays. Visitors should store personal items in lockers before using the collection.
The collection is managed through a closed-stack system where users request materials using card catalogs or the online catalog. This approach requires advance planning and allows valuable historical documents to be carefully protected.
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