Celebrating the 125th Anniversary of Keio Futsubu School

2023/08/28

Keio Futsubu School (Boys Junior High School) has reached the milestone of its 125th anniversary this year. The 125th anniversary signifies the 125th year since the integrated education system of Keio University was established in 1898. I feel truly grateful that Keio Futsubu School has been able to reach this 125th anniversary milestone with the support of so many people.

The origins of Keio University date back to 1858, when Yukichi Fukuzawa opened a school for Dutch studies in Teppozu, Tsukiji. Later, the school transitioned from Dutch studies to English studies, and in 1868, the name of the Juku was established as "Keio University," taking the name of the era. In 1890, the college was launched, making it the first private comprehensive university. With the establishment of this college, the existing curriculum came to be called "Futsubu." This name is thought to have been taken from "Futsu-gaku" (general studies), a concept contrasted with specialized studies. The word "Futsu" (ordinary/general) does not mean "commonplace" or "typical," but rather carries the meaning of "universally practiced" or "basic skills that any human being must acquire."

Subsequently, the Juku reformed its school system in 1898 to establish a 16-year integrated education system consisting of the Yochisha Elementary School, Keio Futsubu School, and the college. Keio Futsubu School was positioned as the secondary education stage within the Juku, and currently, this year is regarded as the origin of Keio Futsubu School as a junior high school.

In 1920, under the University Order, the college (5-year system) was newly launched as a university (3-year system), and at this time, the preparatory course (the predecessor of the senior high school) was added. From 1947, Chutobu Junior High School, the Agricultural Senior High School (predecessor of Keio Shiki Senior High School), and the Girls Senior High School were established in succession. Later, the New York Academy was added in 1990, Keio Shonan Fujisawa Junior and Senior High School in 1992, and Keio Yokohama Elementary School in 2013, forming the current integrated education system.

Keio Futsubu School, which was located on Mita Hilltop Square, moved to a new school building in Tsunamachi in 1917, but that building was destroyed by air raids in 1945. For this reason, for about seven years until the move to Hiyoshi, the school shared facilities with the Yochisha Elementary School in Tengenji. Naturally, the Tengenji school building became very cramped, and many issues arose, but it is said that both schools endured well together, always maintaining a spirit of harmonious cooperation.

From 1951 to the following year, a school building designed by Dr. Yoshiro Taniguchi was completed, and Keio Futsubu School moved to Hiyoshi. In 1998, the school celebrated the "Keio Futsubu School Centenary." On this occasion, the class size was changed from the previous 48 students to 20 students for first-year students (currently 24) and 40 students for second and third-year students, creating an environment for small-group education, particularly for first-year students. In terms of events, the "Meji-Haruka Classes" began, where Keio Futsubu School graduates talk about their past and future, and it has now become an event on par with the Labor Exhibition (Rosaku-ten). In 2008, the "Long-term Vision Committee" was established as an organization for external evaluation, serving as a forum to receive advice on school management and the direction of education at Keio Futsubu School from a long-term perspective from external experts. Since 2013 and 2015, exchanges have begun with schools in Finland and Australia, respectively, providing valuable opportunities for international exchange for Keio Futsubu School students.

To commemorate the 125th anniversary milestone, the "Keio Futsubu School 125th Anniversary Ceremony" was held at the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall on June 8. In addition to Keio Futsubu School students, parents, and graduates, the event was attended by approximately 2,500 people, including Keio University officials such as Hiromichi Iwasa, Chairman of the Board of Councillors; Akiko Suganuma, President of the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai; the President, Vice-Presidents, and principals of the various affiliated schools, as well as many local residents who support Keio Futsubu School.

The ceremony began with the Rendition of Alma Mater "The Juku-ka," followed by an address by the Principal of Keio Futsubu School and a congratulatory speech from President Kohei Itoh. Following his memories of his time at Keio Futsubu School, the President shared a message for the students to have aspirations, interact with people all over the world, and lead society in a positive direction. Next, a school introduction video produced by Keio Futsubu School students was screened to show the current state of the school, and congratulatory speeches were given by Toshikuni Hirai (Class of 1958), the first chairperson of the Meji-Haruka Classes, and Yuki Kondo (Class of 1974), President of the Keio Futsubu School Alumni Association. In the second half of the ceremony, a chorus of the 125th anniversary song "Sono Saki e" (Beyond That), composed and arranged by Akira Senju (Class of 1976) with lyrics by Takashi Sawachi (Class of 1977), was performed by a joint orchestra of current students and graduates. The grand performance by the 80-member orchestra and 20-member choir resonated throughout the Commemorative Hall. Many musical pieces were performed at this ceremony, and in addition to Akira Senju, Kenshiro Sakairi (Class of 2004) and Maru Shintora (Class of 2018) also conducted. Afterwards, we received words from filmmaker Yoshiyuki Okuyama (Class of 2006) and Rin Otsuki (Class of 2018), the youngest person ever to pass the bar exam. Finally, there were words from student representative Koichi Koike, and the ceremony concluded after about an hour and a half with the singing of the Keio Futsubu School song.

On the day, a special exhibition introducing the history of Keio Futsubu School was also held in the foyer on the second floor of the Commemorative Hall. Many old materials were on display, and some visitors expressed surprise, saying, "I can't believe this still exists!" We were able to successfully complete the day of the commemorative ceremony, blessed with many visitors and fine weather.

Further 125th anniversary events are planned, including the Meji-Haruka Classes Kyushu Course in November and the Keio Futsubu School Public Speaking Event at the Mita Enzetsukan (Public Speaking Hall) next March.

Taking this 125th anniversary as an opportunity, Keio Futsubu School has set a direction to operate its educational activities with a focus on "Labor Education" (Rosaku Kyoiku) as an educational institution responsible for the lower secondary education of the Juku, while basing itself on The Mission of Keio University and the fundamental spirit of the Juku, "independence and self-respect." "Labor Education" refers to education that allows students to engage their minds and bodies to their heart's content within a rich period of time free from entrance exams, enabling them to think for themselves and make independent choices and decisions. Under this education of labor-ism, Keio Futsubu School aims to do its utmost to cultivate students who can think and learn for themselves and take new steps forward together with their peers. (All graduation years in the text refer to the year of graduation from Keio Futsubu School.)