“Lost in thought?” a voice startled me. I blinked, turning to see a fellow visitor smiling. We stood before the 附属図書館, the University of Tokyo’s General Library. Its imposing facade hinted at the treasures within. The 附属図書館 opened in 1877, when the university was established. It became a central hub of knowledge, drawing scholars and students alike. However, disaster struck in 1923. The Great Kanto Earthquake ravaged Tokyo, reducing the original library building to rubble. Imagine the heartbreak as 750,000 books, including rare manuscripts, were lost. Among them were over 20,000 books from Friedrich Max Müller’s collection and Takizawa Bakin’s handwritten scripts. The destruction was devastating. But from the ashes, hope arose. John D. Rockefeller, moved by the loss, donated $2 million, a staggering sum in those days. This generosity, along with other contributions, allowed the 附属図書館 to be reborn. The current building, completed in 1928, stands as a testament to resilience and international cooperation. Rockefeller’s words, etched onto a plaque, resonate even now: “I shall regard it as a great privilege to be permitted to hasten the day when your University…will again be provided with adequate facilities.” Today, the 附属図書館 houses over 10 million books, a vast ocean of knowledge. A recent renovation added a 46-meter deep underground storage, a marvel of modern engineering. It houses three million books, silently waiting to be rediscovered. Inside, you’ll find a blend of old-world charm and modern technology. Picture Soseki Natsume, the famous novelist, describing the library in his work “Sanshiro.” His words bring the past to life, painting a picture of students immersed in their studies. As you explore its hallowed halls, you become part of this ongoing story. The 附属図書館 is more than just a library. It is a symbol of perseverance, a beacon of learning.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to