TSV
Nippon Decimal Classification (First Level Categories) - TSV
The Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC) is a library classification system managed by the Japan Library Association, originally developed by Mori Kiyoshi in 1929 based on the Dewey Decimal Classification. The first level consists of 10 major categories numbered from 0 to 9, covering all knowledge domains including General Works, Philosophy, History, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Technology, Industry, The Arts, Language, and Literature. It is adopted by 99% of public libraries and 92% of university libraries in Japan, serving as the foundation for systematic organization and retrieval of books.
library
classification system
book classification
NDC
Japan Library Association
code slug name description
0 general-works General Works Classification for comprehensive materials spanning multiple fields, including library science, encyclopedias, and general essay collections.
1 philosophy Philosophy Classification for human spiritual activities including philosophy, psychology, ethics, and religion.
2 history History Classification for human history and regions, including history, biography, and geography.
3 social-sciences Social Sciences Classification for social systems including politics, law, economics, and education.
4 natural-sciences Natural Sciences Classification for laws of nature including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
5 technology Technology Classification for practical applications of science including engineering, architecture, machinery, and home economics.
6 industry Industry Classification for economic activities and industries including agriculture, commerce, transportation, and communication.
7 the-arts The Arts Classification for arts and entertainment including fine arts, music, theater, and sports.
8 language Language Classification for linguistics and dictionaries of Japanese, English, and other languages.
9 literature Literature Classification for literary works and literary studies of various countries, including novels, poetry, and drama.