[Kyoto University of Foreign Studies × Kyoto Prefectural Library] Co-hosting Rare Book Exhibition 'Chronicles of Liberty' for America's 250th Anniversary
Kyoto University of Foreign Studies and Kyoto Prefectural Library will co-host a rare book exhibition in April and June 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.
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- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 19:00
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The affiliated library of Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (Ukyo-ku, Kyoto; President: Toshiro Kita) and the Kyoto Prefectural Library (Sakyo-ku, Kyoto; Director: Hirofumi Kawaguchi) will co-host the rare book exhibition 'CHRONICLES OF LIBERTY' over two periods in April and June 2026.
This exhibition commemorates the year 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence, by specially displaying approximately 60 valuable literary works and historical documents from the collections of both libraries.
## Background and Concept: 250 Years of 'Liberty' Spun by Words
250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This exhibition deciphers the path to 'liberty' that America has taken from the multifaceted perspective of literature. It features a variety of 'words' that recorded turning points in history, including first editions of literary giants like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, precious historical materials that served as the starting point for Japan-US exchanges, and even handwritten letters by George Washington, a founding father of the United States. It highlights the role that books have played as 'compasses to liberty' for people in turbulent times.
## Main Exhibits (Planned)
This exhibition brings together the world-class rare book collection boasted by the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Library, alongside valuable materials housed in the Kyoto Prefectural Library.
- M. Twain, 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'
A monumental work of American literature.
- E. Hemingway, 'A Farewell to Arms'
A masterpiece questioning war, love, and individual freedom.
- E. A. Poe, 'The Bells and Other Poems'
A poetry collection featuring his late-year masterpiece 'The Bells'.
- George Washington Handwritten Letter
The raw words written by the founding father.
- Lithograph 'Crossing the Rubicon'
*Exclusive display only at the Kyoto Prefectural Library venue.
Additionally, there will be about 60 items in total, including works by prominent authors such as Hawthorne, Melville, Alcott, and Salinger, as well as biographies related to Commodore Perry.
## Event Overview
This exhibition will be held at two venues: the easily accessible Okazaki area (Kyoto Prefectural Library) and the Saiin area (Kyoto University of Foreign Studies), where you can experience the university's unique academic atmosphere.
[Kyoto Prefectural Library]...
This exhibition commemorates the year 2026, which marks the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence, by specially displaying approximately 60 valuable literary works and historical documents from the collections of both libraries.
## Background and Concept: 250 Years of 'Liberty' Spun by Words
250 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This exhibition deciphers the path to 'liberty' that America has taken from the multifaceted perspective of literature. It features a variety of 'words' that recorded turning points in history, including first editions of literary giants like Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway, precious historical materials that served as the starting point for Japan-US exchanges, and even handwritten letters by George Washington, a founding father of the United States. It highlights the role that books have played as 'compasses to liberty' for people in turbulent times.
## Main Exhibits (Planned)
This exhibition brings together the world-class rare book collection boasted by the Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Library, alongside valuable materials housed in the Kyoto Prefectural Library.
- M. Twain, 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'
A monumental work of American literature.
- E. Hemingway, 'A Farewell to Arms'
A masterpiece questioning war, love, and individual freedom.
- E. A. Poe, 'The Bells and Other Poems'
A poetry collection featuring his late-year masterpiece 'The Bells'.
- George Washington Handwritten Letter
The raw words written by the founding father.
- Lithograph 'Crossing the Rubicon'
*Exclusive display only at the Kyoto Prefectural Library venue.
Additionally, there will be about 60 items in total, including works by prominent authors such as Hawthorne, Melville, Alcott, and Salinger, as well as biographies related to Commodore Perry.
## Event Overview
This exhibition will be held at two venues: the easily accessible Okazaki area (Kyoto Prefectural Library) and the Saiin area (Kyoto University of Foreign Studies), where you can experience the university's unique academic atmosphere.
[Kyoto Prefectural Library]...