Based on an examination of the Japanese rare book collection in the University of Chicago Library, this paper provides findings on the nature of the collection, the importance of illustrations (many of which are hand-drawn) in the rare books, and the manner by which the Library acquired the collection, with particular focus on the Ise Monogatari (Tale of Ise), a novel originally written in the tenth century. Among its findings include the discovery that most of the rare titles in the Laufer Collection which were purchased by Dr. Berthold Laufer for the Newberry Library and the John Crerar Library during his expedition to the Far East in 1907 are now in the University of Chicago Library. The results of this study indicate that: 1) many US libraries acquired Japanese rare books as a direct and/or indirect result of World War II; 2) recent developments in information technology are allowing access to Japanese rare books in a more coordinated, timely, wide, and cost-effective manner; and 3) Japanese rare books are increasingly available as electronic texts on internet web sites. To promote further access to Japanese rare books, it is necessary to establish and maintain organized and harmonious networks between Japanese and US libraries.
