80th Anniversary of the Founding of Yochisha

2018/01/01

Image: Commemorative ceremony in the schoolyard

Yochisha, which is considered to have been founded in 1874 (Meiji 7), celebrated its 80th anniversary in 1954 (Showa 29) with grand commemorative events including a ceremony, an athletic meet, and a concert. The ceremony on May 5 was held in the schoolyard because the Jisonkan (Auditorium of Keio Yochisha Elementary School) (commonly known as the Red Roof), which was used as an auditorium at the time (having finally been built in 1948 after being applied for as a combined classroom), could not accommodate the number of attendees. It was a time when one could truly feel the breath of post-war reconstruction after the painful era of war, but the school building still bore the remnants of being requisitioned by the military during the war, covered in black camouflage, presenting a painful sight. The following day, May 6, a concert was held at Hibiya Public Hall, where commemorative songs such as "Song of Young Keio students" (lyrics by Haruo Sato, music by Kosaku Yamada), "Alumni Association Song" (lyrics and music by Ichiro Fujiyama), and "Hymn for Yochisha Students" (lyrics and music by Yoichi Hiraoka) were performed. It is said that the hall was packed to capacity despite it being a weekday afternoon. Two days later, on May 8, a spectacular athletic meet was held at the Shiba Park grounds.

The program was carefully devised with various creative ideas. Among them, the costume parade titled "The Growing Yochisha," which traced the 80-year history of the school, is recorded to have received great applause. Other events included a 750-meter relay between students, alumni, parents, and faculty, as well as "Achievements of Three Generations" and the "Meisaku Monogatari" (a competition based on classic masterpieces such as "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter," "Kachi-Kachi Yama," "Kintaro," and "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido") by sixth graders. It was a joyful day with many participants, including not only Yochisha students but also alumni and parents from Keio Futsubu School and Chutobu Junior High School. Since then, Yochisha has celebrated its 90th, 100th, and 125th anniversaries, and is set to reach its 150th anniversary in 2024. It goes without saying that this is the result of the accumulated hardships and efforts of many people. As someone who has been involved to some extent, I cannot help but feel joy. Finally, I will quote the words of the then-Headmaster Kogoro Yoshida.

"The festival is over. However, it is from now on that we begin to walk carrying 80 years of history on our backs. I believe that if we do not chase trends, do not reject the old, always put the children first, and continue to walk steadily with cooperation within the school, the path will naturally open and the sun will shine."

(Masaharu Suzuki, Former Teacher, Yochisha History Archives)