MCP server and Skills for Japanese literature and humanities research across NDL, CiNii, J-STAGE, IRDB, and related sources
Server has 30 tools with explicit schemas and descriptions. Naming follows verb_noun convention (search_, get_, list_, etc.). Most tools have 4-6 parameters with type definitions. However, descriptions are often generic (10-50 chars), parameter descriptions lack actionable constraints, and output schemas are not documented in the visible code. Error handling is minimal, no recovery guidance or categorization. Session management tools mix READ and WRITE operations without clear state-change documentation. Cache management tools (delete_cache, prune_cache) lack confirmation patterns despite destructive risk.
Add annotations and notes to a session
Delete a cached search result
Enrich a record with external work metadata (Crossref, OpenAlex)
Export a research session
Export a view of search results
Find authority terms by classification code
Find sessions by criteria
Destructive tools (delete_cache, prune_cache) lack confirmation or dry-run patterns. No error guidance on what happens when cache is deleted or how to recover.
Parameter descriptions are generic and lack actionable constraints. E.g., 'Search query' does not explain format, length limits, or special syntax. 'Session ID' does not explain format or how to obtain one.
Output schemas are not documented in visible code. Tool descriptions do not specify what fields are returned, making it impossible for LLMs to plan downstream calls or extract required data.
| Scored | Grade | Overall | Spec posture | Rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | D | 56 | 2025-06-18+ | v2 |
Get full text content for a specific NDL Digital item
Get a single record by source ID
Get multiple records by source IDs
Get text coordinate information for NDL Digital items
List cached search results
List all research sessions
Prune old cached results
Search NDL Browser for a record
Refine search results with additional filters
Resolve authority terms and identifiers from NDL Authorities
Search across Japanese literature and humanities sources (NDL, CiNii, J-STAGE, IRDB, etc.)
Search the local cache index
Search full text content in NDL Digital Collections
Search research case studies and examples
Search research guides and manuals
Search illustrations in NDL Digital Collections
Search KAKENHI research projects
Search full text in Kokusho (Japanese classical texts) database
Search image tags in Kokusho database
Search pages in NDL Digital Collections
Start a new research session
Suggest classification codes for a query
Update session trace and metadata
Session management tools (start_session, annotate_session, update_session_trace) do not document state changes or side effects. LLMs cannot determine if calls are idempotent or have irreversible consequences.
No error handling guidance. Tools do not return actionable error messages or recovery hints. E.g., if a search fails, the LLM has no guidance on whether to retry, refine the query, or try a different source.