Yukichiki--The Anniversary of Founder Yukichi Fukuzawa's Death

A memorial service was held on February 3 (Sun), the 112th anniversary of Yukichi Fukuzawa's death, at Azabu-san Zenpuku-ji Temple in Moto-Azabu, Minato Ward. Many people associated with Keio—including President Seike, students from Keio Yochisha Elementary School all the way up to University and their families, alumni, and faculty and staff members—visited the Keio founder's grave to pay their respects.

The anniversary of Yukichi Fukuzawa's death is called "Yukichiki". A constant procession of visitors formed in front of his grave under perfect weather conditions on this warm, March-like day.

Fukuzawa greeted the 20th century but passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1901 at his home on Mita Campus. He was 66 years old. Initially he was buried at a cemetery in Kami-Osaki (later Joko-ji Temple cemetery). His grave was moved to its current location at Azabu-san Zenpuku-ji Temple in 1977. A monument honoring the location of his former resting place has been built at Joko-ji Temple. Moreover, Fukuzawa's posthumous Buddhist name is "Daikanin Dokuritsu-jison Koji", which roughly translates to "Saint of Independence and Self-Respect". Tokujiro Obata, the eldest member of Keio at the time, is said to have given him this name stating, "Everything about his character and conduct comes down to independence and self-respect."