*Japanese Studies General Guide: Finding Films at KU Libraries

Provides a starting point for Japan Studies, including resources to find books, articles, newspapers, and web resources.

Find Films at KU Libraries

KU Libraries have been collecting films pertining to the study of Japan for research and teaching purpose. The collection covers a variety of generes and subjects, from anime to zen mostly in DVD and VHS format. Most of DVDs are available at Watson Video Collection area (3F), but some films are located at branch libraries, such as Art & Architecture, Music, and Anschutz Library. All VHS tapes have been moved to Annex Storage, but they can be retrieved and checked out upon retrieval request. All films are searchable via KU Online Catalog:
KU Library Catalog:  Search Help
 

KU Libraries also provide access to streaming video services. For more information about the service, please check here.

  • For selected list of documentary films, click here:
  • For selected list of feature films, click here.

Please note:

  • The films acquired from Japan may be in Japanese language only. Please read the bibliographic information on the film to identify if the material is in English dialogue or contains English subtitles.
  • The DVDs acquired from Japan are often in Region Code 2, which is different from the US. Your personal DVD player (Region Code 1) may not be able to play the DVD.
  • The DVDs are contained in a case with a lock. Users are required to check them out at the Circuation Desk for use.
  • The PCs at the KU Libraries are all equipped with VLC media player which can play DVDs irrespective of their region codes.
  • A VHS player is also available at the third floor of Watson. Please ask the Circulation Desk. VHS players are not available at Anschutz nor the Art & Architecture Library.
  • Watson Library provides headphones. Please ask the Circulation Desk.
  • Unless reserved, films are usually available for checkout for one week with $2.00 per day overdue charge (maxing out at $20.00 total).
  • KU Libraries is also procuring some Blu-ray titles, but the University of Kansas overall does not have much of instructional support for this format. Users are expected to use their own players.

Streaming Videos

This box lists the variety of streaming video services provided by KU or available for free.

OLRC Catalog

The Open Language Resource Center (OLRC) catalog is also another great source to find Japanese feature films and documentaries in a number of formats (DVD, VHS, Laser Disk, etc.). Go to OLRC Catalog to explore.