Future Challenges in the Digitization and Public Access of Hyakunin Isshu Materials as Historical Resources.

Abstract

The Atomi University Library has developed one of Japan's leading collections of Hyakunin Isshu, a classical anthology of one hundred waka poems by one hundred poets, together with a wide range of related historical materials. Since 2008, the collection has been progressively digitized and made publicly accessible through a digital archive. This study examines the significance of the collection, its digitization, and its educational and scholarly applications, while also addressing future challenges for sustainable digital archiving. The research is based on a review of the collection's history, a case study of its digital archive, an interview with TRC-ADEAC Inc., and a comparison with overseas initiatives, including the UC Berkeley Digital Collections. The findings indicate that the digital archive has enhanced research, education, and community outreach by improving access to historical materials. At the same time, sustainable funding, effective promotion, metadata standardization, and interoperability remain critical issues. The study argues that future digital archive projects should integrate both technical and operational perspectives to improve usability and facilitate cross-institutional access. Such efforts will contribute to the long-term preservation, accessibility, and educational value of historical cultural resources in Japan and beyond.