[Feature: Marine Sustainability / Special Feature: 150th Anniversary of Keio Yochisha Elementary School] Shigenari Sugiura: The "Past" and "Future" of Keio Yochisha Elementary School

2024/06/24

Image: 150th Anniversary Ceremony of Keio Yochisha Elementary School (May 30, Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall)

This year, 2024, marks the 150th anniversary of the founding of Keio Yochisha Elementary School. This long history and tradition spanning 150 years began with Yoshiro Wada, who was entrusted by Yukichi Fukuzawa with the education of young Keio students, and has been woven together by numerous graduates, faculty, staff, and parents. Along with the school culture that has been fostered, I am grateful for the tangible and intangible benefits bestowed upon us by our predecessors, and I feel fortunate to be spending time at Keio Yochisha Elementary School during this milestone year.

The origins of Keio Yochisha Elementary School date back to 1874, when Yoshiro Wada hosted several children at his home on Mita Hilltop Square, providing education in what was commonly known as "Wada Juku." In 1898, it moved from Mita Hilltop Square to the western lowlands (the area below the cliff of the current West School Building), and in 1937, it relocated to Hiroo, where it remains today.

The most difficult period in its 150-year history was likely the collective evacuation during the Pacific War. At the end of August 1944, the school evacuated to Shuzenji in Shizuoka Prefecture, and from early July 1945, as the war situation worsened, it re-evacuated to Kizukuri in Aomori Prefecture. The foundation of the current Keio Yochisha Elementary School was established by Kogoro Yoshida, who led the evacuation as the head of the evacuation school and served as Headmaster after the war. Mr. Yoshida created much of the education that continues at Keio Yochisha Elementary School today, including the launch of the school magazine "Ko'uma," the revival of the "Yochisha Shimbun," and the introduction of coeducation in 1948. Mr. Yoshida's sincere efforts continue to influence many teachers today.

The "Yochisha Song," first sung by all students in 1929, is still sung today at opening and closing ceremonies and graduation ceremonies. The second verse of this song includes the lyrics: "The teachings of independence and self-respect / left to us by the great Yukichi Fukuzawa / let us put those lessons into practice / and become good children / with one mind." To "put the lessons of Yukichi Fukuzawa into practice" means to be a "person who can practice independence and self-respect." Cultivating human resources who will eventually become leaders of the whole society has been the "past" of Keio Yochisha Elementary School, and it is a mission that will continue unchanged in the "future."

The aforementioned Mr. Yoshida stated in 1970: "The educational policy of Keio Yochisha Elementary School is to raise bright, honest, and dignified children through a harmonious bond between teachers and students, and to provide education that develops each child's individuality on top of a sufficient foundation of academic ability as an elementary school student. At its root, of course, is the educational spirit of Yukichi Fukuzawa. He sought to enhance the spirit of independence and self-respect in all Keio students, but in educating the young in particular, he placed great emphasis on physical health and the elevation of character." We can glimpse Yukichi Fukuzawa's educational spirit through his many teachings. And I believe that those "lessons" will continue to be a dazzling light pointing the way forward for Keio Yochisha Elementary School, just as they have in the past.

Current education at Keio Yochisha Elementary School is based on two pillars: the "six-year homeroom teacher system" and the "subject-specific specialist system." Yochisha students spend six years of their childhood together, accumulating many shared experiences. They learn the importance of gathering their strength, coming together, and uniting. In addition to regular classes, through programs like the Seaside School and Highland School involving overnight stays, they grow together, recognize each other's differences, help one another, and improve together. This process likely helps them gradually acquire not only the spirit of independence and self-respect but also the spirit of coexistence and respect for others.

The "six-year homeroom teacher system," which began in 1897, is a system where one teacher remains the homeroom teacher for a single class for six years. Mr. Tsuneki Mori, who was the Headmaster when this system began, stated, "One can gain a good understanding of the stages of children's physical and mental development and grasp the progress of their studies longitudinally." However, he also noted, "Unless a teacher's character and academic ability are particularly excellent, one cannot entrust a child's life to them; we must improve treatment and recruit excellent teachers." If we believe that continuing this system will develop education at Keio Yochisha Elementary School, then teachers themselves must once again straighten their collars and be required to engage in sincere and dedicated academic research and education, as well as various forms of self-improvement, in addition to their daily classroom practice.

Mr. Yukichi Maeda, who served as the manager of the Keio University Athletic Association Baseball Club for many years, said, "To protect tradition is to add something new to it." The new steps of Keio Yochisha Elementary School from here on will protect and respect its 150-year history and tradition, but will not be bound by them. First, toward the 151st year of Keio Yochisha Elementary School. And then, even further beyond. Without fearing change and without forgetting the spirit of enterprise, I want to continue moving forward without hesitation. The 150-year history of Keio Yochisha Elementary School is overflowing with the vitality to always take on new challenges.