Imperial Library (Japan)

The Imperial Library (帝国図書館, Teikoku Toshokan) of the Empire of Japan was established in 1872.

Prior to World War II, it was the only national library in Japan.

The Imperial Library of Japan was established as the Shojaku-kan (書籍館) under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education on September 3, 1872.

A new building to house the Imperial Library was completed on March 20, 1906 in Ueno Park.

[2] Due to censorship requirements, the Home Ministry operated a review office in the basement of the Imperial Library.