across a book on japanese literature in new york he has spent his time showing the world japanese lture. we were able to sit down with him. >> reporter: the donald keen center is more than just a museum of his life and works. it's also intended as a center for studying the field of japanese literature. the main hall holds an exhibit on nine individuals who played pivotal roles in his development and trajectories in his life and work. visitors can also see his library which was brought over from new york and reconstructed. to promote the study of japanese literature, keen has donated 2,500 books, records and artifacts to be housed in the room. for over 50 years, he was professor of japanese literature at columbia university in new york, inspiring students with a passion for his field. over a period of 25 years he wrote his 18 volume work, a history of japanese literature. it's now used around the world as a key textbook in the field. >> reporter: first of all congratulations on the keen center. >> thank you. >> reporter: what was it like for you? >> it was rather weird, technically becau