Waseda International House of Literature, Literary museum at Waseda University campus, Japan
The Waseda International House of Literature is a five-story building on the university campus that displays books, manuscripts, and materials focused on contemporary literature and international translations. The space includes exhibition galleries, seminar areas, and specialized research sections for studying literary works and exchange.
Renowned architect Kengo Kuma designed this literary center, which opened to the public in 2021 as part of Waseda University's expansion. The opening represented the university's commitment to promoting global literary exchange and Japanese writing abroad.
The space shows how Japanese writers connect with readers and authors across the world through exhibitions of translated works. You can see how stories travel between cultures and how this place serves as a meeting point for literary exchange.
The building welcomes visitors during regular daytime hours and charges no admission fee, making it accessible to all. Larger groups should inform the facility in advance to ensure a smooth visit experience.
The building holds multilingual collections with works in over 50 languages, revealing how widely Japanese authors are read across the world. A student-run café within the exhibitions provides a casual place to pause and connect with others.
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