If you're interested in Japanese art and design, the National Diet Library's Image Bank is an amazing resource to explore. Containing thousands of images from copyright-expired works, the image bank is a curated into themes to help you discover exactly what you're looking for.

You'll find everything from Ukiyoe prints, paintings, patterns and even old photos.

Since all images are copyright-free, you can use them as you wish, not only for reports or other academic purposes but even for commercial purposes. The possibilities are endless.

For example, as shown in the Tweet below, you can use materials to create your own original goods such as coffee tumblers, book covers and post cards.

Printing companies have taken notice. For example, Kinko's Japan, has begun a service from August 1st, 2022, allowing you to turn images into T-shirts, tote bags, coasters and the like.

If you like Japanese fashion or design, for example, you may be interested in the wide range of patterns from the late Meiji to Taisho eras, such as the ones seen below:

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Example: Ad design from the early Showa Era

The NDL Image Bank regularly presents new themes of curated content. We were particularly interested in an entry made on August 3rd, presenting parts of a book published in 1929 which was specifically intended as a reference for advertisement design. Using the now antiquated advertisement term "cut," meaning photo or illustration, it's called simply カットブック Cut Book, and edited by the 井関経営研究所 Iseki Management Research Institute.

Here are a few examples:

With their focus on travel, leisure, and gift-giving, the illustrations show a mix of traditional Japan and the trappings of modern consumer culture, presenting a glimpse of life in the late 20s and early 30s Japan.

This is just one example of the interesting curated themes you'll find at the NDL Image Bank. What will you discover there?

Why not visit and find out?