Federation of Cultural Organizations

2019/10/31

The Federation of Cultural Organizations (commonly known as "Bunren") is an organization that coordinates cultural student groups within Keio. I believe many Keio students and Keio University alumni who have been members of cultural student groups within Keio were aware that their group was affiliated with the Bunren. Currently, approximately 90 groups are affiliated with the Bunren. These member groups are truly diverse, ranging from academic and music groups that conduct research in various fields to groups dedicated to a wide variety of hobbies and competitions.

The purpose of the Bunren is stated as follows: "to oversee the cultural activities of Keio students, provide cultural assets to Keio students, aim to enhance the culture and refinement of Keio students and promote the Juku's spirit, while also fostering mutual cooperation and sound development among member groups, and externally, to contribute to the advancement of culture by coordinating with similar organizations at other schools." Based on this, its current specific activities include distributing student union fee grants to each group as Bunren grants, holding Bunren general meetings, participating in student self-governance as a member of the All Keio Student Council, and managing the student group rooms at Mita.

The Bunren has a long history, having been established shortly after World War II. Although some details about its founding are unclear, it appears to have been deeply involved in the management of the Mita Festival and to have created and worn Bunren badges. Additionally, although it is no longer published, there was a time when a booklet introducing Bunren-affiliated groups was created, separate from the student group introduction booklet produced by the Orientation Committee in April. Currently, on the other hand, it plans the Bunren Performance Festival every winter, serving the role of providing a venue for member groups to perform and fostering horizontal connections among them.

The headquarters functions of the Bunren are carried out by a standing committee, with its main base located in the student group rooms on the Mita Campus. The standing committee members are selected from each student group. Including the roles mentioned earlier, the standing committee daily considers and implements measures to improve the status and environment of cultural groups. Furthermore, because Bunren-affiliated groups exist on various campuses, it is possible to establish branches; however, as of 2019, due to a decrease in the number of groups on each campus, it only has a base in the Student Union Building at Hiyoshi. Recently, the number of independent cultural groups not affiliated with the Bunren has also become considerable, and the Bunren continues to strive to further improve the welfare of its member groups and foster a sense of belonging. Improving access to welfare benefits for groups on each campus has also become an issue.

Also, although it is not widely known, under the Bunren's regulations, all Keio students are automatically considered "regular members" of the Bunren. The Bunren is actively working to contribute to the enhancement of the cultural activities of all students.

(Iichiro Kono, Administrative Affairs Office)