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

2022/02/10

Image: 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 unavoidably postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among these projects, the 100th Anniversary Commemorative Exhibition was finally held from September 27 to 29, 2021, at Central Museum Ginza in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

On the first day of the exhibition, September 27, we welcomed President Kohei Itoh for the 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 an opening address by Chairman Tokura, President Itoh delivered a congratulatory speech. In his remarks, he shared with great humor how, during his time as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, he had to sign diplomas with a brush. He received lectures on character forms and brushwork from a calligraphy society member who was his student and practiced many times, describing the great effort it required. Although it was a brief ceremony, all attendees shared a very meaningful time and are deeply grateful.

Afterward, President Itoh took his time viewing the ink traces and calligraphic works of Yukichi Fukuzawa, prominent 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, the society invited Mr. Tanko Inui from the Kojunsha Kanmoku-kai as an instructor and engaged in active research, 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 by early autumn. After careful consideration, it was decided to proceed with the projects. However, to align 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 calligraphic works by students and graduates, works by successive instructors, and collaborative works (joint creations) 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, society 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 memories of their student days blossomed.

In the special exhibition, we introduced 22 ink traces of 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 Kaishu Katsu were also displayed. It is rare to be able to exhibit such a large number of items 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 Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Since the introduction of kanji, calligraphy has absorbed excellent techniques from China, and in the Heian period, Japan's unique "kana" expression was born and developed alongside waka culture. This historical significance and high artistic value in living culture likely led to this recommendation. While this recognition is a positive development, 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 100 years of challenges—including the Spanish flu pandemic at its founding, wars, and fluctuating economic and social conditions—through the efforts and teamwork of our predecessors. Toward the next 100 years, we intend to work on "Jiga Sakko" (being a pioneer), passing the baton to future generations through "Keio Gijuku Shachu," where students, graduates, and related parties join forces for further development.