New Year's Greetings from the President

Happy New Year to you all. As we celebrate the start of a new year, I wish you the best of health and happiness for 2013.

We are currently facing a time of great change. In such times, it is important to possess the ability to carefully assess the current situation and anticipate the future.

Keio founder Yukichi Fukuzawa once said, "The scholar is the 'guardian goose' of the nation." This "guardian goose" cranes it neck to watch for danger while the rest of the flock focuses intently on pecking their food. Fukuzawa urged that, while people around them may be preoccupied with the trends of the times, like the guardian goose, scholars should reflect on the past, observe the developments of the present, and discuss the prospects for days to come. One might also say that it is the duty of those who are accomplished in learning to make thorough assessments of the present situation and deliberate on what the future holds, always standing firm amidst the currents of the times.

Through the pursuit of learning, which Fukuzawa valued above all else, Keio will continue to contribute to social progress in its efforts to improve the quality of education, research, and medicine in 2013. Mindful that we cannot achieve this alone, we look forward to your continuing support and cooperation in the year ahead.


January 1, 2013

Prof. Atsushi Seike
President, Keio University