In collaboration with researchers from universities throughout Japan, institute personnel travel to the sites of collections of Japanese literature and related original materials (such as manuscripts and printed editions), and engage in research with a bibliographical focus. In conjunction with this research, original materials stored in Japanese libraries and private collections are collected through full-volume photography as micro negative lm or digital images, and made available to the public.

Japanese literature is studied throughout the world. An important challenge of Japanese literary research is that of analyzing Japanese literature while incorporating a view of world literary research. Based on such an awareness, the institute established an International Relations Exchange section in the International Collabora- tion Division in FY 2016 in order to invigorate international exchange activities. Similarly, positive activities are being implemented, such as the hosting of symposiums and research conventions overseas.