School Songs

This section introduces Keio University’s long-cherished school songs. You can also listen to recordings.

This school song was completed in November 1940, with lyrics by Masafumi Tomita and music by Kiyoshi Nobutoki. It was first performed on the evening of January 10, 1941, at the Fukuzawa Birthday Celebration held in the auditorium on Mita Campus. Ever since, it has been sung at ceremonies and other occasions.

Lyrics by Masafumi Tomita

Music by Kiyoshi Nobutoki

I.

Behold

Our school flag flapping in the wind,

It was unfurled at the stormy break of day

Against the surging waves towards a new age.

We have the obvious pride that we’ve diffused

Our culture widely, surely carried out

Our mission under our school flag as well.

Let’s raise our flag with stout and strong spirit.

Oh, our Gijuku,

Keio, Keio, Keio.

II.

Now tread

This path of learning broad and deep

No matter how remote and far it is.

Our torches in hand will glow with the torches of learning.

And they will surely be shining and shining on

The path of learning rightly, brightly, too.

No matter how remote and far it is.

Let’s tread this path of learning to the last.

Oh, our Gijuku,

Keio, Keio, Keio.

III.

Now stand

On the hill of Mita firm and straight,

We will succeed to a seat of learning here

That has retained a high and firm place long.

We’ll spread our school badge proudly, far and wide,

That means “the pen is mightier than the sword.”

With noble mind, with fresh and broad ideas,

Let’s live upon the hill of Mita here.

Oh, our Gijuku,

Keio, Keio, Keio.

“Wakaki-chi” was created in 1927 following a proposal by students in the preparatory course at the time, who consulted with Koichi Nomura, a music critic and Keio alumnus. Upon Nomura’s recommendation, Keizo Horiuchi was commissioned to write both the lyrics and the music. The song disregards the traditional 7–5 and 5–7 syllabic patterns, and adopts a fresh and unconventional 5–5–6–3 structure. It has been passed down through the generations and stands as Keio University’s most renowned school song.

Lyrics and music by Keizo Horiuchi

A person who burns in young blood

We are shining.

Look up to the star of hope here

My power to advance to victory

Is always new.

Look, the place where the elite gather.

In the spirit of the fierce day

No clouds to block

Keio, Keio,

King of the Land, Keio

This song, written and composed by Yoichi Hiraoka, was first performed in 1947. Its lyrics, set to a slow tempo, portray the hills of Mita, the fresh spirit of the young people who study there, and how––even after leaving the school––they continue to remember it as their hometown. At Meiji Jingu Stadium during Tokyo Big 6 University Baseball games, and at gatherings of alumni, this song is invariably sung with everyone standing closely together, shoulder to shoulder.

Lyrics and music by Yoichi Hiraoka

I.

Mountain of Mita full of light

We gather in the schoolyard

Hopeful youth

Self-reliant Kenji Jonan

With our youthful strength

Build an ideal homeland

Keio Keio Keio University

That name is my alma matter

II.

Mountains of Mita shining with glory

Of spirit, strength, and passion

Boys with burning blood

Crowns of supremacy now worn

Kagari fire reflected on the loose hill

Let’s sing a triumph loudly

Keio Keio Keio University

It’s time to praise my alma mater

III.

Ah, the beautiful mountains of Mita

Mountains of Mita, my second hometown

How many years have we been together

Stay forever in my heart

Even if the moon leaves and the stars move

The name that I will never forget in my dreams

Keio Keio Keio University

Praise my alma mater forever