The Library is situated in the same building as the Japan Society at Swire House, 59 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ.

The Japan Society collection is open to members and non-members for research purposes and is divided into two components. The first, comprising the most valuable items, cannot be loaned but is available for study on site. Study facilities and a limited photocopying service are available. The second component, the open collection,  comprises  books which are available for loan to members (corporate and individual) subject to the Society’s loan procedure (see below).

Members wishing to use the Library should contact us one week in advance of the proposed visiting date. Non-members should apply to the Society.

Procedure for Loaning Books

1. Members may borrow up to two items from the open collection at any one time. Non-members may not borrow items from the collection.
2. Items may be borrowed for a period of four weeks from the date of loan.
3. Items which are not returned before or on the due date of return will be subject to a fine. This will be charged at £1.00 per item for each working day they are overdue.
4. Items are to be returned in the same condition in which they were lent. Any alteration, damage or defacement to items will be charged at either the cost of repair or replacement.
5. Items are lent only to the member concerned. They may not be distributed or lent to any other party.
6. If requested to do so, members must produce proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence. Proof of identity and/or a suitable letter of reference is also needed for non-members and visiting academics and students.
7. Items are lent entirely at the Society’s discretion.
8. There is a no coats, no hats, no briefcases rule in the Library.