Nippon Decimal Classification

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The Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC, also called the Nippon Decimal System) is a system of library classification developed for mainly Japanese language books maintained by the Japan Library Association since 1956. It is based on the Dewey Decimal System. The system is based upon using each successive digit to divide into nine divisions with the digit zero used for those not belonging to any of the divisions.

Main classes[]

The system is made up of ten categories:

  • 000 General
  • 100 Philosophy
  • 200 History
  • 300 Social sciences
  • 400 Natural sciences
  • 500 Technology and engineering
  • 600 Industry and commerce
  • 700 Arts
  • 800 Language
  • 900 Literature

Description of the classes[]

000 General[]

The General category contains books that contain general information, rather than information about specific topics. The sub-categories of the General category are:

100 Philosophy[]

The Philosophy category contains books that contain information regarding philosophy, religion, and psychology. The sub-categories of the Philosophy category are:

200 History[]

The History category contains books that contain information regarding local and foreign history. The sub-categories of the History category are:

300 Social Sciences[]

The Social Sciences category contains books that contain information regarding modern day society, such as government systems and cultural traditions. The sub-categories of the Social Sciences category are:

400 Natural Sciences[]

The Natural Sciences category contains books that contain information regarding the natural world, such as plants, animals, and natural laws, such as math and physics. The sub-categories of the Natural Sciences category are:

500 Technology and Engineering[]

The Technology & Engineering category contains books that contain information regarding man-made scientific achievements. The sub-categories of the Technology & Engineering category are:

600 Industry and Commerce[]

The Industry and Commerce category contains books that contain information regarding business, products, transportation systems, and money. The sub-categories of the Industry and Commerce category are:

700 Arts[]

The Arts category contains books that contain information regarding various art forms, such as paintings, writing, and music. The sub-categories of the Arts category are:

  • 710 Plastic arts (sculpture)
  • 720 Painting & Calligraphy
  • 730 Engraving
  • 740 Photography & Printing
  • 750 Craft
  • 760 Music & Dance
  • 770 Theatre, Motion Pictures
  • 780 Sports, Physical Education
  • 790 Recreation, Amusements

800 Language[]

The Language category contains books that contain information regarding various languages spoken around the world. The sub-categories of the Language category are:

  • 810 Japanese
  • 820 Chinese, other oriental languages
  • 830 English
  • 840 German
  • 850 French
  • 860 Spanish
  • 870 Italian
  • 880 Russian
  • 890 Other languages

900 Literature[]

The Literature category contains books with fictional content, such as romance novels and adventure stories. The sub-categories of the Literature category are:

External links[]


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