Islamic Research Institutes in Wartime Japan: Introductory Investigation of the “Deposited Materials by the Dai-Nippon Kaikyo Kyokai (Greater Japan Muslim League)” (<Special Feature> New Trends in Japan's Study of the Middle East: Searching for Roots)

Abstract

Dai-Nippon Kaikyo Kyokai (Greater Japan Muslim League, hereafter DNKK), one of the Islamic Research Institutes in wartime Japan, was established in 1938 and was dissolved in 1945. The DNKK carried out various activities, such as research on Islamic countries, the World of Islam exhibitions, Islamic policy-making, enlightenment activities, and planning trade with Muslim countries. We can examine the details of the DNKK by reviewing the “Deposited Materials by the DNKK” or the “Islam Library” in the possession of Waseda University Library. In this paper, the author introduces the deposited materials regarding the organization and activities of the DNKK in detail. Further investigation of Deposited Materials by the DNKK concerning the contribution of the Islamic Research Institutes to Islamic studies in Japan is then recommended.