LAW LIBRARIES IN TOKYO

The following libraries are recommended resources for conducting law-related research in Tokyo. They are listed here in the order in which we recommend them. Where possible, links for further information are also provided.

TUJ LIBRARY - The TUJ Library contains approximately 5,000 volumes of law-related materials, predominately in English. These include primary sources such as statutory materials and secondary sources including periodicals, looseleafs, encyclopedias and monographs. The collection is particularly strong on English language materials on the Japanese and other Asian legal systems and on general American law. The particular focus of the collection supports the courses taught in the Temple University Law Program in Japan.

THE CENTER FOR FOREIGN LEGAL MATERIALS, Faculty of Law, University of Tokyo
This is the best non-Japanese language law library in Tokyo for information on jurisdictions other than Japan. It contains case reports and statutes for all major common law jurisdictions, as well as extensive materials on various European jurisdictions.
Address: The University of Tokyo, Bldg. #4, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113
Phone: (03) 3812-2111
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and entrance examination period.

NATIONAL DIET LIBRARY (KOKURITSU KOKKAI TOSHOKAN)
Address: 1-10-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100
Phone: (03) 3581-2331. Fax: (03) 3597-0989
Hours: Monday - Friday and third Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Closed all other Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and the third and fourth Monday of each month.

AMERICAN CENTER LIBRARY - Operated by the United States Information Service, this library is particularly strong on public law: government and diplomatic materials
Address: 2-6-3 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Phone: (03) 3436-0901
Hours: Monday - Friday, 12 pm to 6 pm.

FAIR TRADE COMMISSION LIBRARY - This collection focuses on antitrust law and policy; the bulk of the collection is Japanese. Access is by appointment only.
Address: 1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100
Phone: (03) 3581-1963
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:45 am to 12 pm and 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

JETRO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICE - This library contains predominately information on trade and business
Address: 2-2-5 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105
Phone: (03) 3582-1775
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and the third Tuesday of the month.

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE LIBRARY (HOMU TOSHOKAN) (Access to this library is limited; call, in Japanese, to find out the requirements for entry.)
Address: 1-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100
Phone: (03) 3580-4111 x 5760
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 am to 5 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

THE SUPREME COURT LIBRARY (SAIKO SAIBANSHO TOSHOKAN) (Access to this library is severely restricted--only lawyers and legal academics are allowed to use it.)
Address: 4-2 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102
Phone: (03) 3264-8111. Fax: (03) 3221-8976
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

THE LIBRARY OF THE PATENT OFFICE OF JAPAN -- Information in intellectual property and records of all Japanese patents filed. Access is open to the public; present identification at the front desk.
Address: 3-4-3 Kasumigaseki, 2F, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 (map)
Phone: (03) 3580-6949
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 to 4:50 pm. Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and second Wednesday.

(translation by Vicki L. Beyer)

Temple University Japan