ABSTRACT
In 1648 a group of Shinto priests founded a library at the Outer Shrine of Ise. Their aims were to make important books accessible to the Outer Shrine priesthood and to spread correct knowledge among the general public through open lectures. In the same year, a list of regulations was drawn up that was to govern the running of this library, which was called Toyomiyazaki Bunko. The second item on this list addressed the thorny issue of secrecy:
If members succeed in borrowing secret books (hisho 秘書 ) in the provinces, they must deposit [a copy of them] in the library. In cases where disclosure to others is deemed untoward, even members of our society may not see them. Such books must be sealed. When they are cleaned of insects, only a person with prior permission may open them and turn their pages.
