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National Library Japan Study Grants a Proven Success

Mayumi Shinozake, Senior Librarian, Japanese Unit, assists 2008 Japan Study Grant scholar Mark Pendleton
Photo: Loui Seselja, National Library

The Japan Study Grant scheme is now in its second year. It is a program of annual grants supporting scholars and researchers, who spend up to four weeks in Canberra using the Japanese and Japan-related collections of the National Library of Australia. Funded by the H.S. Williams Trust, the grants are intended to be a source of practical support for working academics, postgraduates and researchers who do not have access to Japanese resources where they live. The grants fund travel and living costs for a period of intensive study in the Library using the Japanese collections but are not open to Canberra residents.

Five researchers travelled to Canberra in 2008 to take up their grants. The subjects chosen were as diverse as the Tokyo subway gassing in 1995 and the governance of fisheries in Japanese territorial waters. Feedback from researchers indicates that the four-week period of intensive research was highly rewarding. Comments included:

‘The Asian Collection has a superb collection of books and journals in Japanese law … one of the world’s best libraries outside of Japan for researching Japanese law.’

‘Friendly and proactive reference librarians made my research stay a pure joy.’

‘The four-week grant period enables those study grant recipients who have the complexity of family, study and work commitments to go into “lock-down” mode in a way not possible in the usual home study environment.’

‘The scholarship offered has certainly enhanced my work. The amount of research able to be undertaken in such a short period of time was phenomenal.’

‘An exceptionally productive and enjoyable experience researching in the Asian Collection.’

‘It’s reassuring to know that the National Library is fulfilling its part in facilitating research to advance our Asia literacy.’

Grants Awarded for 2009

Ten applications for the 2008–2009 year were received. A selection panel of Library representatives, together with Professor Kent Anderson and Professor Tessa Morris-Suzuki of the Australian National University, met in early November and, in a competitive round, five applicants were selected to receive an award. The successful applicants have been notified and all have accepted with enthusiasm. They are:

  • Dr Yasuko Claremont, Senior Lecturer, Department of Japanese Studies, University of Sydney
  • Dr David Chapman, Senior Lecturer, University of South Australia
  • Dr Sandra Wilson, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Murdoch University
  • Mr Katsuhiko Suganuma, PhD candidate, School of Culture and Communication, The University of Melbourne
  • Ms Caroline Norma, PhD candidate, Asia Institute, The University of Melbourne.

Amelia McKenzie
Director, Asian Collections