The Historiographical Institute (HI) of the University of Tokyo is the sole research institution in Japan established by a national university for the study of historical material spanning Japan’s premodern history from the eighth to the nineteenth centuries. Its mission is to collect and analyse various historical materials from both domestic and international sources and compile and publish them as collections of Japanese historical material spanning 150 years. These efforts aim to benefit both academia and society. The HI has developed a robust research system to survey and study historical material from Japan and abroad and convert the accumulated historical information and research findings into research resources. Thus, it supports the academic foundation of Japanese history by disseminating valuable knowledge resources through publications.

The Center for Social Research and Data Archives at the Institute of Social Science, University of Tokyo, established the Social Science Japan Data Archive (SSJDA) to bolster empirical research in the social sciences in Japan. It has been providing individual data since April 1998.

Dedicated to collecting and maintaining a vast archive of social science data, primarily quantitative data gleaned from social surveys, across various fields of social sciences, the SSJDA prevents data dissipation. Its aim is to furnish researchers and graduate students with access to these datasets for secondary analyses, fostering academic and educational pursuits.

The SSJDA remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the use of research data and contributing to the progress of empirical social science research in Japan.

Kobe University Library has opened the Kobe University Digital Archive, which includes three collections. The first is the Special Collections, comprising local materials mainly from Japan’s early modern period (1568–1867) and modern period (1868–1945). The second is the Newspaper Clippings Collection, which features newspaper clippings from the Meiji (1868–1912), Taisho (1912–26), and early Showa (1926–45) eras. The third is the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Disaster Materials Collection, which comprises materials related to the 1995 earthquake disaster.

The library’s digital archive is designed to accomplish the following objectives in this program:

① Collaborate with JDCat in data visualization.

② Make data archives publicly accessible as digital data.

③ Tag the data with geospatial information and English-language key terms so the data are more accessible.

④ Establish criteria for determining the acceptability of publicizing digital data that include personal information (this applies especially to contemporary sources), accumulate knowledge, develop workflows related to such, and share such information.

⑤ Develop a model case for project management in which Kobe University Library is the initiator and coordinates the activities of Kobe University researchers.

The Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties operates and publishes the Wooden Tablet Data Base, which compiles information on wooden tablets from across Japan, and the Comprehensive Database of Archaeological Site Reports in Japan, which collects information on cultural properties nationwide. The Institute aims to achieve the following goals:

(1) Data visualization through the Japan Data Catalog for the Humanities and Social Sciences (JDCat) collaboration

(2) Promoting the digitization of information on wooden tablets and cultural heritage

(3) Making cultural heritage information available in multiple languages

(4) Conducting information sessions for relevant organizations across the country to enhance engagement

(5) Encouraging the storage of research data into the Comprehensive Database of Archaeological Site Reports’ web platform.

The Research Center for Open Science and Data Platform (RCOS) is dedicated to the development and provision of an academic infrastructure for the wide dissemination and use of academic papers and research data.

In the Program for Constructing Data Infrastructure for the Humanities and Social Sciences, we developed and implemented the Japan Data Catalog for the Humanities and Social Sciences (JDCat). JDCat is a digital platform for the sharing and use of research data within the field of humanities and social sciences.

In the Program for Strengthening Data Infrastructure for the Humanities and Social Sciences, RCOS will operate and renovate JDCat in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, which serves as the participating institution’s headquarters.

To facilitate JDCat’s renewal, we will conduct surveys and research on data infrastructures in Japan as well as overseas. The knowledge that we obtain will be used to improve the system’s usability in collaboration with the University of Tokyo and other relevant institutions. Furthermore, to encourage the use of JDCat and the dissemination of data within the field of humanities and social sciences, we will collaborate closely with the University of Tokyo to disseminate information about JDCat at conferences and symposia.

The Panel Data Research Center at Keio University (PDRC), apart from implementing and creating panel data, also accepts social science-related panel data from external researchers and research institutions.

- The data to be deposited must be confidential, and metadata and variable information must be provided in accordance with the format provided by the PDRC.

- The deposited panel data are made available to users via the PDRC data application and management system after being reviewed by the PDRC staff.

- Data provision to users is permitted after a normal review by the PDRC and, where necessary, approval from the depositor.

- Use of the panel data is limited to non-profit, research, and educational purposes and is restricted to researchers affiliated with national, public, or private research institutions.

- Inclusion of students (graduate and undergraduate) in the range of users is defined for each data item.

For information on how to deposit data, please contact us at the following URL.

To promote the use of government statistics in the social sciences, we accept government statistical data that cover extended periods of time (Japan Statistical Yearbook), metadata, such as questionnaire formats (a total of 15 surveys, including the Population Census of Japan, the Establishment and Enterprise Census, and the Monthly Labour Survey), aggregated government statistical data, processed statistics (Long-Term Economic Statistics (LTES), Asia Long-Term Historical Statistical Database), and the like.

We announce details regarding the deposit of government statistical data and historical statistics as soon as they are determined.

JGSS Data Download System (JGSSDDS) disseminates Japanese General Social Survey (JGSS) and East Asian Social Survey (EASS) datasets which are administered by JGSS Research Center as well as various other survey data. JGSSDDS aims to make contributions for education and research in many fields, by providing opportunities for secondary use of survey data.

JGSS Research Center accepts datasets to be distributed via JGSSDDS. The Center curates regional survey data, experimental data and works on digitalization of non-electronic data files in addition to national survey data and cross-national survey data.

Curated datasets include Asian Barometer Survey, Cross-national data on environment and lifestyle, experimental data in psychology, and business leaders survey in 1960’s and 1970’s.

Please contact us if you or your institution has any unreleased data. For more details on depositing data with the JGSSDDS, please visit the JGSS Research Center website below;