[Time Passes] The Calligraphy Society Celebrates its 100th Anniversary—Commemorative Exhibition Held with President Kohei Itoh

2022/02/10

Photo: At the opening ceremony of the commemorative exhibition

The Keio University Calligraphy Society was founded in 1920 (Taisho 9) and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020. The 100th anniversary commemorative projects originally planned were forced to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 100th anniversary commemorative exhibition was finally held from September 27 to 29, 2021, at the Central Museum Ginza in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

On the first day of the exhibition, the 27th, we welcomed President Kohei Itoh and held an opening ceremony. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the ceremony was kept simple, with attendance limited to Takeyuki Tokura, Chairman of the Calligraphy Society (Associate Professor at the Fukuzawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies), advisors, instructors, graduates, and student executives. Fitting for the 100th anniversary, the ceremony took place in front of Yukichi Fukuzawa's hanging scroll "Independence and Self-Respect Welcoming the New Century." Following Chairman Tokura's opening remarks, President Itoh gave a congratulatory speech. In his speech, he humorously shared how, during his time as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, he had to sign diplomas with a brush and received lectures on character shapes and brushwork from a student who was a member of the Calligraphy Society, practicing many times with great effort. Although it was a short ceremony, all attendees were grateful to share such a meaningful time.

Afterward, President Itoh took his time viewing the ink works and calligraphy by Yukichi Fukuzawa, famous Keio graduates, successive instructors, students, and alumni.

The Keio University Calligraphy Society was originally organized as a voluntary group of Keio students. With the support of then-President Eikichi Kamada and Professor Shogoro Hatano, Tanko Inui of the Kojunsha Kanmokukai was invited as an instructor, and the group engaged in active research on calligraphy, lectures, and other activities. In 1922 (Taisho 11), it was reported to the Juku authorities and recognized as an official organization. Since its founding, over 1,000 members have graduated, and currently, nearly 100 members are enjoying their student life through Calligraphy Society activities.

In preparation for the 100th anniversary projects in 2020, a preparatory committee was established in 2017. Plans were made for a commemorative exhibition, a celebration party, the publication of a commemorative book, and a calligraphy history trip to Xi'an, China. However, these were forced to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The unpredictable situation continued into 2021, but fortunately, the pandemic began to subside toward the beginning of autumn. After careful consideration, it was decided to move forward with the projects. However, to comply with Keio University policy and prioritize the safety and health of members, we made various adjustments, such as changing the celebration party to an online format to avoid face-to-face contact and conducting the calligraphy history trip online as well.

Among these, we were somehow able to hold the commemorative exhibition in person. With the broad cooperation of Chairman Tokura, calligraphy instructors, students, and graduates, we planned, organized, and prepared the event in the spirit of Keio Gijuku Shachu.

The venue featured calligraphy works by students and graduates, works by successive instructors, and collaborative works (collected works) by instructors, students, and graduates. A special exhibition titled "Calligraphy of Independence and Self-Respect" was held concurrently, resulting in a record-breaking total of 250 pieces on display. Additionally, the 100-year history of the Calligraphy Society (chronology, achievements of successive chairmen and instructors, institutional journals, and materials from student activities) was displayed on panels and tables, providing a multifaceted introduction including a photo movie. Graduates gathered in front of the photo movie, and stories of their student days were in full bloom.

In the special exhibition, we introduced 22 ink works by Yukichi Fukuzawa and those who inherited his teachings to innovate and lead society. Excluding Yukichi Fukuzawa, they are listed in alphabetical order (titles omitted): Seihin Ikeda, Tsuyoshi Inukai, Yukio Ozaki, Tokujirō Obata, Ikunoshin Kadono, Eikichi Kamada, Shinzo Koizumi, Haruo Sato, Soen Shaku, Sei'ichiro Takahashi, Yasushi Nishikawa, Kocho Baba, Raita Fujiyama, Yasuzaemon Matsunaga, and Sanji Muto. Letters between Yukichi Fukuzawa and Katsu Kaishu were also exhibited. It is rare to be able to display so many pieces in one place, and we would like to express our gratitude once again to the Keio University Fukuzawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies and all related parties for lending their collections.

In October 2021, the Council for Cultural Affairs recommended to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology that "Calligraphy" and "Traditional Sake Brewing" be registered as newly established Registered Intangible Cultural Properties under the amended Cultural Assets Preservation Act. It is believed that calligraphy's absorption of excellent Chinese techniques since the introduction of kanji, and the birth of Japan's unique "kana" expression during the Heian period alongside waka culture, led to this recommendation. While it is a positive that its historical significance and artistic value in living culture have been highly evaluated, the Leisure White Paper published by the Japan Productivity Center points out that the calligraphy population is on a downward trend.

The Keio University Calligraphy Society has reached its current prosperity by overcoming the harsh waves of the Spanish flu pandemic at the time of its founding, wars, and fluctuating economic and social conditions through the efforts and teamwork of our predecessors. Toward the next 100 years, through "Keio Gijuku Shachu"—the combined strength of students, graduates, and related parties—we wish to engage in "Jiga Sakko" (being a pioneer) to pass the baton to future generations and further develop the society.