National Diet Library Services
The National Diet Library (NDL) provides remote user services which are available without visiting the NDL in person, such as digital materials and on-site library services including reading and photoduplication services, at three facilities: the Tokyo Main Library, the Kansai-kan of the NDL, and the International Library of Children's Literature (ILCL).
User registration is necessary to use the materials in the closed stacks as well as online photoduplication requests.
Online Services
Databases and digital images of materials on the NDL website are available to anyone at any time.
Services Available for Registered Users
User registration supports you in making full use of our library in the cases below.
Remote Photoduplication Service
You can request photocopies without visiting the library by using the NDL's remote photoduplication service.Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Individuals
The Digitized Contents Transmission Service for Individuals allows users to access NDL digitized materials that are out-of-print or otherwise difficult-to-obtain via the internet from devices such as personal computers or smartphones. NDL official registered users who reside in Japan are eligible for this service.
On-site Library Services
For information about on-site library services, please go to each facilities' website below.
- Collections
The holdings of the NDL are collected through the legal deposit system, purchase, exchange and donation. These collections are separately held in the Tokyo Main Library, the Kansai-kan and the ILCL. - User Registration
Most of the holdings of the NDL are in closed stacks where users cannot enter. User registration is required to use materials in the closed stacks.
Using via Libraries
- Interlibrary Loan Service: ILL Service
It is possible for overseas users to read NDL materials at their university libraries or other community libraries by taking advantage of the interlibrary loan service, provided that the conditions are met. - Reference Service
The NDL's international reference service is available to overseas institutions of Japanese studies and individuals who study subjects related to Japan.
A resident of Japan requiring a reference service is advised to first consult a nearby public library or a university library. If the answers cannot be found at the local library, you can ask them to send your reference to the NDL. The NDL does not accept online requests from people residing in Japan.
Other Services
- Using Bibliographic Data
Please check Terms of Use for Bibliographic Data when using the bibliographic data from services provided by the National Diet Library. - List of API
Our services offer Application Programming Interfaces (API). Application may be needed to use them, so please refer to the list below for usage conditions etc. of API. - Utilizing Content
If you wish to reproduce any item or any portion of any item (image, document, article, data, etc.) on the website of the NDL, (provided under the domains of "ndl.go.jp" or "kodomo.go.jp") by reprint, publication (including e-books, etc.), broadcasting, exhibition or posting on a website or any other medium, please complete the reproduction request form and send it to us in advance.