JICC Library & Exhibitions

The JICC Library is open to the public during the Consulate's normal hours of operation. Please note the building security measures. Our reading room adjoins the Consular section and includes a space for changing exhibitions featuring Japan, Japanese culture, Japan-related themes, and local artists.

Our library collection includes materials in English and Japanese. Many of these are available for loan; please see our loan policy below. We have a range of reference materials that may be accessed in the library but may not be checked out. Links are provided for such publications that are now available online.

We also have an array of free magazines, pamphlets, maps, and flyers on Japanese culture and events. You can find them in stands in the library marked with signs indicating that they can be taken for free.

Please see below for a sample of the materials we carry. We welcome your visit!

Proper photo identification indicating the borrower's current address is required in order to borrow any material.

An individual or organization may borrow up to two (2) items at a time for a period of two (2) weeks. Items may be renewed unless under reserve by another party. If items cannot be returned in person, the borrower may mail the items to the JICC Library at his or her expense.

The individual or organization in whose name items are borrowed will be responsible for any damage or loss. The JICC reserves the right to determine the extent of any damage incurred or the replacement cost for lost articles.

Items may be used for non-profit and educational purposes only. Entry fees may not be charged for showings.

Items may not be duplicated unless previous arrangements have been made with the JICC.

Designated reference materials may not be removed from the library.

Topics include Japanese arts, children's interest, cooking, education, gardens, history, literature, politics, and sports.

We are happy to distribute the following government publications as supplies last, reserving two reference copies not to be removed from the Library. For your convenience, links are provided to those publications which are available online.

Defense of Japan Annual White Paper

Diplomatic Blue Book Summary

Foreign Press Center's Facts & Figures Japan (past archived issues only)

Japan's ODA White Paper

Statistical Handbook of Japan

Highlighting Japan (online only)

Graduate Schools, Universities, Professional Training Colleges & Japanese Language Schools Guide

Newspapers (for Reference only)

Magazines

Asahi Shimbun

Niponica

Japan Times

Highlighting Japan

Nihon Keizai Shimbun

Nipponia (archives)

Rafu Shimpo

Ikebana International

We offer authentic Japanese items for display and use for cultural fairs or presentations on Japan. Please contact the JICC Librarian to see if your organization or event qualifies to borrow these items.

The JICC has over 350 videos and DVDs about Japan available for lending, free of charge, to schools, clubs and non profit organizations as well as individuals for non-commercial use in Southern California and the state of Arizona. We recommend our videos for your meetings or classes. We have a wide variety of videos about the country of Japan, current events and Japanese culture. Please see below for a partial list of our videos, including the most popular. If you would like a complete video catalogue, please contact the JICC librarian.

Traditional Japanese Culture

Traditional Japanese Sports

Nippon: The Land and Its People

Classical Theater in Japan: Noh, Bunraku, Kabuki

150 Years of U.S. - Japan Relations

Mt. Fuji: A Timeless Beauty

Winter in Japan: Sparkling Ice, Gleaming Snow

Japanese Onsen: Healing the Body, Soothing the Spirit

Music with a Message: J-POP Japanese Music

Anime: Japan's Thriving Animation Culture

Japanese Youth: My Dream

Japan Video Encyclopedia

JVT covers many topics about Japan and Japanese culture. Each month's video/DVD has three to four segments. Watch each in its entirety, or select one or two segments. This is a wonderful addition to a classroom presentation on Japan. The DVDs feature six languages (English, Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, French); additionally, you can stream JVTs in six languages online!