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Fukuoka, Japan —A set of Japanese annotated Buddhist scriptures from more than a thousand years ago, the (Japanese: 碍辞苍办ō尘测ō蝉补颈蝉丑ōō-办测ō, original title: 厂耻惫补谤?补辫谤补产丑ā蝉辞迟迟补尘补-谤ā箩补-蝉ū迟谤补), housed in , is expected to be designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This will be the third cultural property from Kyushu University to be recognized, and the first in around 50 years.

The Golden Light Sutra is a Chinese translation of a Buddhist scripture, consisting of ten volumes. The sutra teaches that if a king governs with the wisdom of Buddhist dharma, the country will prosper under the protection of the Buddhist gods. Upon its introduction to China, it was held in great esteem.

Based on the writing style, researchers estimate that the main text of the sutra was written in the Nara period (8th century), with the annotations added later in the Heian period (around 11th century).

“The white notes surrounding the black text are Kunten (glosses), used to clarify the meaning and grammatical structure of classical Chinese,” says , Assistant Professor at Kyushu University’s . “They provide a direct reflection of the language of the Heian period, making these scriptures an invaluable resource for studying the history of the Japanese language.”

Kyushu University Library is one of the only two institutions that possess a complete set of the sutra’s annotated scriptures. The other is held at Saidaiji Temple in Nara, which has been designated a National Treasure of Japan. Both sets are beautifully preserved, and their 200-year difference offers a unique opportunity to explore how the Japanese language has changed over time.

“The black text is written in ink, which absorbs into the paper and does not fade. In contrast, the white marks, created with gofun (a chalk-like substance), rest only on the surface and can be easily removed if shaken or washed. It is truly remarkable that they have stayed so clear for over a thousand years,” Hirunuma notes.

The Golden Light Sutra is part of the , one of the many systematically curated book collections at Kyushu University.

This collection consists of approximately 1,300 volumes on Japanese language and literature, gathered by Professor Kasuga Masaji and his son, Professor Kasuga Kazuo throughout their research careers. Both scholars taught in what is now Kyushu University’s Faculty of Humanities. In 2013, the Kasuga family generously donated this valuable collection to the university.

Kyushu University Library is actively digitizing its collection to make its rare materials accessible worldwide. Over 20,000 items are already available online.

The complete set of the Golden Light Sutra, featuring over 300 high-resolution images, is now freely accessible through . It follows the International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) standards, making it easier to use for research and education.

After the designation, Kyushu University Library will adopt stricter conservation methods to protect these precious materials. The library is also planning a special exhibition at the university’s Ito Campus in Fukuoka in fiscal year 2025, which will offer a rare chance to view the original sutra.

“We can enjoy these well-preserved 1,000-year-old materials today thanks to the careful hands of past generations,” says Hirunuma. “Now it is Kyushu University’s turn to protect this precious scripture for the next thousand years.”