Help
Q1. What is khirin?
khirin is a historical information infrastructure developed by the National Museum of Japanese History. It provides access to information on historical materials held both within the museum and by external institutions, allowing users to search, browse, and reference these resources. This page introduces the basic functions of khirin.
Q2. What can I do with khirin?
khirin allows you to search for historical materials and view detailed information about each item. Depending on the material, you may also access images, related resources, and geographic data. You can also explore related materials and terms through collection-based databases and the knowledge dictionary. Key features include: ・Keyword search for materials ・Viewing detailed records for individual items ・Browsing collection-based databases ・Exploring related terms and materials via the knowledge dictionary ・Accessing IIIF image links ・Viewing map information for materials with location data
Q3. How do I search for materials?
Use the “Search Materials” option on the top page. Enter a keyword to see a list of results, which includes brief descriptions of matching materials. Click on a result to view its details. You can also narrow your search to a specific database to focus on particular collections.
Q4. How do I view detailed information about a material?
Click on a material title from the search results or list to open its detail page. The detail page includes basic metadata, links to images, and—where available—geographic information. Each item is assigned a persistent URL, making it easy to cite and revisit.
Q5. What are collection-based databases?
In khirin, materials are organized into databases based on collections. From the top page or related pages, you can access individual databases to view an overview of the collection and a list of included materials. These databases often include contextual information such as provenance and collection characteristics, which can be useful for topic- or collection-based research.
Q6. What is the knowledge dictionary?
The knowledge dictionary manages relationships between terms such as historical periods, personal names, and concepts. It allows you to navigate across related terms and variations in expression. Each entry links to associated materials, enabling you to explore the database starting from a specific name, period, or concept.
Q7. How can I view images?
Some materials include links to IIIF images. When available, you can access images through these links. In some cases, additional links to related datasets or external resources may also be provided.
Q8. What if I can’t find what I’m looking for?
Try the following: ・Use alternative spellings or terms ・Search using names, places, or historical periods ・Limit your search to a specific database ・Use the knowledge dictionary to find related terms Historical materials often include variations in names and terminology. If you don’t get results, try different spellings or alternative names. Support for fuzzy search is planned for future updates.
Q9. What should I know about the data and its limitations?
khirin includes information not only from the National Museum of Japanese History but also from external institutions under agreements and memoranda of understanding. The availability, licensing, and content vary by item. Some database records preserve historical descriptions as originally recorded and may not fully reflect current conditions. Not all materials include images or complete metadata. The system will continue to be expanded and improved over time.
Q10. How can I contact you?
If you have questions about using khirin, please contact us: Email: khirin@rekihaku.ac.jp