Retro Japan in Photos: Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library's ancient vibes

The exterior of the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library has an elegant design reminiscent of a Greek temple, as seen in this photo taken in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 23, 2020. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

Light shines through a round stained-glass window at the top of the domed ceiling above the atrium in the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 18, 2020. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

One of the two bronze statues created by Kitamura Seibo and placed in the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library's atrium is seen in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 4, 2020. This is said to represent intelligence, while the other represents wild nature. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

The exterior of the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library is reminiscent of a Greek temple, as seen in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 4, 2020. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

One of the two bronze statues created by Kitamura Seibo and placed in the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library's atrium is seen in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 4, 2020. This is said to represent wild nature, while the other represents intelligence. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

One of the lighting columns that flank both sides of the grand stairs up to the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library is seen in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 4, 2020. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

Two bronze plaques, one large and one small, center, and two statues of young men are seen displayed in the atrium of the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 18, 2020. The plaques explain that the library was built with a donation from Sumitomo Kichizaemon Tomoito, the 15th head of the Sumitomo family-run conglomerate. The statue on the left is said to represent intelligence, and the one on the right wild nature. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)

A sign reading "Osaka Library" is seen above the former front entrance (now exit) of the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library in the city of Osaka's Kita Ward on Aug. 18, 2020. (Mainichi/Takao Kitamura)