*** You can use Japanese in original characters, Romanized Japanese and English to search the following library catalogs. However, note that each has its own way of handling Kanji variations (e.g. 国 vs 國) and variations in Romanization. (And they can be very picky!) Libraries and librarians also use a particular set of Romanization rules (see this page), which is slightly different from how Japanese words are Romanized in everyday use. (And yes, we are very picky, too!) Please feel free to consult the Japanese Studies Librarian if you encounter any difficulties finding Japanese books and materials.

Explore & discover: Try Primo. If you are looking for books to read on a certain topic, try the discovery tool Primo. Primo searches books indexed in select bibliographies, in addition to books held at Wash U Libraries. You can also explore Wash U Libraries' collections with the Classic Catalog, using Subject Headings.

Particular title: If you know what book you are looking for, follow the steps below to find the book.

1. Washington University library Classic Catalog
Start here. Our Japanese language collection covers a wide range of academic fields and historical periods. We have particularly strong collections in Literature (classical through contemporary), History and Philosophy & Religion. Olin Library also has a collection of Japanese Studies books in English, and some audiovisual items.

2. MOBIUS catalog
If the title you are looking for is not in our collection, try MOBIUS. With MOBIUS you can search and request books and other materials held at other university and public libraries in Missouri. Books usually come in 3-7 days.

3. WorldCat
If no other Missouri libraries have the title, either, you may have a better luck with WorldCat. If other WorldCat-affiliated libraries have the item, you can request an interlibrary loan (ILL) through ILLiad. Books and other physical materials usually arrive in 1-2 weeks. (Follow the Send Request to ILLiad link on the result screen).