Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library

The bronze dome with its soaring curvilinear design symbolizes Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library. The dome’s atrium features an impressive imperial staircase. The dome has an oculus, a circular opening at the top, allowing the entry of natural light through the stained glass. Abundant use of high-quality timber endows the neoclassicism with an esthetic flourish quintessentially Japanese. On the third floor, a walkway partially circles the dome and the coffering on the dome’s ceiling is decorated with festoons. This masterful interplay of space and structure is enchanting.

According to Aristotle, “All men by nature desire knowledge.” Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library undoubtedly provides evidence in support of the philosopher’s observation: the number of users continues to rise and the library has been increasing the capacity of its reading rooms. Despite refurbishment of the library over the years, the Memorial Room on the third floor of the main building still features furniture and furnishings from the Meiji and Taisho eras, taking one back in time. The fanlight, a classically proportioned semicircular window, is most impressive. It was in this room that the notables of Osaka perused books and sometimes entertained distinguished guests from overseas. As one peers upward through the fanlight, a slight distortion of the outside world is apparent, prompting the thought that this building is not of the present era but steeped in history.