Promoting Library Development: A 1 Billion Yen Grant for 2025 Digital Archive Projects

On January 28, 2026, the Library Promotion Foundation, located in Bunkyo, Tokyo, led by Chairman Yoshinori Ozawa, announced its decision to grant 1 billion yen in funding for 13 selected digital archive initiatives as part of its proposal-based grant program for the fiscal year 2025. This decision follows a rigorous review process conducted by a selection committee, ensuring that only the most impactful projects receive support.

The proposal-based grant program is funded through donations from other organizations, aimed at promoting the healthy growth of libraries in Japan, thereby contributing to the education and cultural development of the nation. The selection process for the 2025 proposals will run from June 16, 2025, to October 22, 2025, during which various organizations can apply for funding.

Selected Projects for the 2025 Proposal-Based Grants

Below is a list of the projects awarded grants and their respective funding amounts:

1. Digital Archive Project for Antarctic Research Data
- Organization: National Institute of Polar Research
- Location: Tokyo
- Grant Amount: 8,626,515 yen

2. Digital Archive Construction for Chiba City Katori Shell Mound Museum
- Location: Chiba
- Grant Amount: 3,676,200 yen

3. Digital Archive Project for Aviation Heritage and Aerospace Literature
- Organization: Japan Aviation Association
- Location: Tokyo
- Grant Amount: 9,938,500 yen

4. Digital Data Publication for Cosmetic Culture
- Organization: POLA ORBIS Holdings, POLA Cultural Research Institute
- Location: Tokyo
- Grant Amount: 13,149,950 yen

5. Digital Archive Development for Kazuno City Cultural Heritage
- Location: Akita
- Grant Amount: 15,733,300 yen

6. Digital Archive of the Educational History of Seiko Elementary School
- Organization: Seiko Alumni Association
- Location: Tokyo
- Grant Amount: 5,010,500 yen

7. Digital Archive Project for Kabin City Local Revitalization
- Location: Kochi
- Grant Amount: 5,835,830 yen

8. Expansion of Digital Archive for Izumi City
- Location: Osaka
- Grant Amount: 6,380,000 yen

9. Digital Archive Construction Project by Tomiya City Board of Education
- Location: Miyagi
- Grant Amount: 4,937,130 yen

10. Completion of Kōna San mountains Digital Archive Project
- Organization: Kōna City Library
- Location: Shiga
- Grant Amount: 1,465,750 yen

11. Online Digital Archive Project for Atami Literary Museum
- Organization: Atami City Board of Education
- Location: Shizuoka
- Grant Amount: 7,413,037 yen

12. Edo Discovery Digitalization Project by Tokyo Metropolitan University
- Location: Tokyo
- Grant Amount: 4,174,500 yen

13. Digital Archive Promotion for Takasu Town
- Location: Hokkaido
- Grant Amount: 13,658,788 yen

What is Proposal-Based Grant?

The purpose of the proposal-based grant is to assist in the digital archiving of local and valuable materials through the support of donations from various organizations. These grants encourage innovative and practical projects that address local challenges or lead to innovations. The foundation seeks to support projects that facilitate new initiatives through libraries and practically address various community issues, contributing to societal enhancement.

The call for the 2025 proposal-based grants focused on two primary sectors:
1. Digital Publication of Local and Valuable Materials
2. Utilization of Digital Data for Educational and Cultural Purposes (e.g., school education, community learning, tourism promotion, etc.)

Past Grant Achievements

For details regarding the grant achievements from 2012 to 2024, please follow the provided link to view the past performance.

About the Library Promotion Foundation

Established in 2008, the Library Promotion Foundation aims to promote libraries and was officially recognized as a public interest incorporated foundation in 2012. The organization actively supports "research and learning competitions using libraries" and engages in various initiatives to foster personal growth and revitalization in local communities.