Rechercher
Menu
Je me connecte

Université catholique de Louvain

Fondation Louvain

Rechercher

Université catholique de Louvain

Fondation Louvain

Japan Mirai Fund, a joint initiative of KU Leuven & UCLouvain

fondlouv |

A Gift of Knowledge: The Japanese Book Collection of KU Leuven and UCLouvain

One of the greatest yet most overlooked shared cultural heritages of KU Leuven and UCLouvain is the remarkable 1920s Japanese book collection. Comprising more than 3,100 Japanese titles and nearly 14,000 volumes, this collection was donated as part of an international initiative to rebuild the University Library of Louvain after it was completely destroyed during the First World War in 1914.

 

This precious collection was a gift from Japan, symbolizing the deep friendship between Japan and Belgium. Following the destruction and burning of the Leuven library, Japan contributed this exceptional donation as an act of solidarity and international cooperation. Today, KU Leuven and UCLouvain share the ambition to strengthen academic and cultural ties with Japan and Japanese universities, while maximizing the value and impact of this unique heritage.

Unlocking the full potential of a unique collection

To ensure that this important collection reaches its full potential, KU Leuven and UCLouvain have jointly established the Japan Mirai Fund. This dedicated fund is designed to support three complementary ambitions: making the collection digitally accessible to the global scientific community through close collaboration with Japanese partners such as the National Museum of Japanese History in Sakura; establishing a new professorship to unlock the academic, cultural and societal potential of the 1920s Japanese donation for scholars and for a wider public in Belgium and beyond; and increasing the visibility of the collection through major exhibitions and recurring public events, including a landmark exhibition held in 2022.

To bring these ambitions to life, the Japan Mirai Fund actively seeks philanthropic support and long-term partners. In the run-up to the university’s 600th anniversary, this fundraising initiative offers a unique opportunity to honor the centennial of the Japanese donation and to reaffirm its place as a vital chapter in our shared global history.

The year 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the final book in Leuven. The donation itself unfolded over seven years, during which significant historical events shaped its journey.

 

In 1922, the Japanese National Committee became operational as part of the international relief efforts of the Œuvre internationale de Louvain. Its mission was to help the University of Louvain — the common ancestor of KU Leuven and UCLouvain — rebuild its library. That same year, a decisive meeting took place at the Belgian Embassy in Japan, leading to a nationwide effort to collect books and artworks for donation to Leuven/Louvain.

 

In 1923, the project nearly came to an end. On 1 September, the catastrophic Great Kantō Earthquake devastated the Tokyo–Yokohama region and destroyed the library of the Tokyo Imperial University, today’s University of Tokyo. When Belgium offered aid to Japan in response to the disaster, the Japanese National Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the donation.

 

Hope returned in 1924, when the first major shipment of historical books arrived in Leuven. Over the following two years, the entire collection was gradually transferred from Japan to Belgium. In 1926, the final book reached Leuven, marking both the completion of the donation and the beginning of a long-lasting academic partnership.

What’s in a name?

The name Japan Mirai Fund was chosen with purpose. Mirai (未来) means “future” in Japanese and reflects the fund’s forward-looking vision. Rooted in heritage, the fund seeks to safeguard the collection, stimulate research and strengthen cultural and academic ties between Japan, Belgium and Europe.

Together, we are building a bridge from past to future — honoring a legacy born in a time marked by war, pandemic and socio-economic upheaval, yet driven by hope, resilience and international cooperation in pursuit of shared human progress.