On March 17, 2022, the National Diet Library of Japan (NDLJ) published the “NDL Image Bank (NDLイメージバンク)“.[1] At the end of May, the NDLJ publicized this with a tweet on the availability of many old, nostalgic and beautiful works of art like Edo Era ukiyo-e for personal and even commercial use.[2]
Many people have shared the tweet and people are taking advantage of the beautiful graphics for personal and commercial products.[3]
Of course, there are terms such as need to cite source (please refer to these),[4] but as copyright in Japan expires (at 70 years after decease of the creator, for materials still protected as of December 30, 2018)[5], many fine works of Japanese creativity become available. Perhaps you are interested in a use of images the NDLJ has to offer for free.
* The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.
** For questions or consultation, please contact us for more information.
Taro Yaguchi
Sources
[1] National Diet Library, Japan. “” https://current.ndl.go.jp/node/45810 Current Awareness Portal.
[2] National Diet Library, Japan Twitter account. @NDLJP. https://twitter.com/NDLJP/status/1531104861483597824 May 30, 2022 tweet. Accessed June 16, 2022.
[3] Mutou “昔の浮世絵や雑誌など 著作権フリーの素材が「すごい！」「いろいろ作りたくなるな」 [Copyright-free materials from old ukiyo-e and magazines are ‘amazing’ and ‘make you want to make all kinds of things’].” https://grapee.jp/1139242 grape Co., Ltd. Published and updated June 16, 2022. Accessed June 16, 2022.
[4] National Diet Library, Japan. “電子展示会利用規約 / Terms of Use of the National Diet Library Digital Exhibitions.” https://www.ndl.go.jp/exhibit/terms.pdf (Japanese/English PDF) at “ご利用について [Terms of Use].” Accessed June 16, 2022.
[5] Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan. “著作物等の保護期間の延長に関するQ&A [Q&A about extension of copyright duration].” Accessed June 16, 2022.
Header image: “渡辺省亭の花鳥画譜 [Watanabe Shotei’s album of birds and flowers],” https://rnavi.ndl.go.jp/imagebank/data/post-59.html.
