Before the Internet and even before television, books were a major source of visual information.
The NDL Image Bank showcases items from the National Diet Library's substantial collection of visual materials, including ukiyo-e woodblock prints, books, magazines, and other forms of published media.

Beautiful Japanese Landscapes

This section introduces beautifully colored Japanese landscapes from ukiyo-e prints by UTAGAWA Hiroshige and others, as well as shin-hanga (new prints) from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods.

Patterns and Designs

This section introduces patterns for architectural decoration and furnishings, patterns for clothing and fabrics, and books containing designs and patterns for crafts and printed materials.

Kawaii Edo, Meiji and Taisho Periods

From 100-Year-Old Magazines

Botanical Illustrations

This section introduces natural history illustrations in the Edo period, botanical illustrations in the Meiji period, botanical illustrations depicting seasonal flowers, and other materials.