"Mita-hyoron (official monthly journal published by Keio University Press)"

2016/05/05

The first relaunched issue of "Mita-hyoron (official monthly journal published by Keio University Press)" (No. 550 overall, October 1951)

The official journal of Keio University, "Mita-hyoron (official monthly journal published by Keio University Press)," was first published in Meiji 31 (1898) as "Keio Gijuku Gakuho." To move beyond being a simple campus newsletter, it was retitled "Mita-hyoron (official monthly journal published by Keio University Press)" starting with issue No. 210 in Taisho 4 (1915). For the renaming, there were apparently candidates such as "Mita Koron," "Dokuritsu Koron," and "Fukuzawa Shicho," but ultimately, the title of a former student magazine garnered the most votes. That original student magazine was said to have been extremely confrontational in its criticism of the Juku's administration, featuring future polemicists such as Takuzo Itakura, Kango Koyama, Shikichi Sawaki, and Sei'ichiro Takahashi.

And so, "Mita-hyoron (official monthly journal published by Keio University Press)" continued to publish as a unique magazine. Despite a suspension when the printing office was destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake and an eight-year hiatus due to the war, it was relaunched after the war in Showa 26 (1951). At that time, as the postwar confusion had somewhat subsided, a fundraising campaign was launched in earnest for reconstruction. In Showa 28 (1953), the first postwar directory of Keio University alumni was published, listing 42,000 names, which was likely a result of this campaign. Since then, the journal has surpassed milestones such as its 600th issue, 80th anniversary, and 100th anniversary.

As for serialized columns, *Cogito*, a series of interviews with Keio University alumni from various fields, started in Showa 61 (1986). This is Latin for "I think." Two years later, a column called *Ergo sum* ("therefore I am"), similar to the current Enzetsukan (Public Speaking Hall), was created. Together, they form Descartes' famous phrase, "I think, therefore I am." This was likely a deliberate choice by the editorial committee at the time. Both were renewed with the 1000th issue.

The journal has undergone other gradual renewals; for example, the double gatefold table of contents was discontinued with the 1000th issue. Frontispiece photographs became a standard feature from the Showa 40s (1965–1974), but at the time, many of the photos were taken by faculty and staff who were camera enthusiasts. Though only one or two pages, many of these photographs speak of their era.

The March 1998 issue marked the 1000th issue, which also coincided with the 100th anniversary of its founding. To commemorate this, a ceremony and celebration were held at the Palace Hotel on April 23, Keio Foundation Day. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to Seiji Fujishiro, Shinzo Abe, Kunihiko Hisa, Toji Kuroda, and Fumiko Kojima for their many years of contributions through cover art, illustrations, single-panel comics, photography, and stenography, as well as to Toneki Printing Co., Ltd., which had been involved since the era of movable type. In addition, invitees were given a reprint of the first issue. On a separate day, an exhibition of Mr. Kuroda's photographs was held at the Shinjuku Takano Gallery to great acclaim.

I hope that it continues to be a witty official journal, not only conveying news about Keio but also never forgetting its spirit as a journal of social commentary, featuring a wide range of articles made possible by Keio's extensive network, and special features with unique perspectives, all while staying true to Keio's distinct character.

(Atsuko Ishiguro, Office of Communications and Public Relations)