The 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party

2020/04/28

Image: The stage reaching its finale

On New Year's Eve in 2000, the eve of the 21st century, the 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party was held at Mita Hilltop Square. This event originates from the Century Farewell and Welcome Party organized by college students 100 years earlier on December 31, 1900. At that time, a congratulatory message titled "Farewell to the 19th Century" by future President Kiroku Hayashi was read, stating, "The eventful 19th century has finally passed, and the vast 20th century has arrived here." The event reportedly featured a volley of fire at caricatures depicting Japan's bad habits, and at midnight, a firework display spelling out "20th Century" appeared in the night sky. It is well known that Yukichi Fukuzawa participated in his final years and, on the following morning, wrote the calligraphy "independence and self-respect Welcoming the New Century."

Following the wishes of President Yasuhiko Torii, the 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party Executive Committee was launched in July by students and young staff members, with Megumi Amano (3rd year, Faculty of Policy Management) as the person in charge. Subsequently, more students and staff joined, including those from affiliated schools, and the full lineup of plans was finalized in December. It was decided to adopt "Keio Time," which advanced the clocks at Mita Hilltop Square by six hours, holding the event from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Participants were distributed wristwatches set to "Keio Time" as commemorative gifts at the reception.

On the day, a wide variety of programs took place, including a special dialogue between former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Professor Heizo Takenaka, twelve famous 20th-century lectures, a digital event titled "Time Browser," and exhibitions by affiliated schools in various buildings. In the courtyard, the Mita Merchants Association distributed sweet sake. On the courtyard stage, following the opening declaration, events such as the "Declaration for the 21st Century"—where students from elementary school to university shouted their goals on stage—and a group reading of "The Tale of the Heike" were held. As the sun set, the Old University Library and the East Building were illuminated, building momentum for the new century. At midnight Keio Time, the courtyard was filled with participants who welcomed the new century a few hours early with a "count-up," symbolizing the intent to proactively overcome the new century. This was followed by a speech from President Torii and a grand chorus of "Wakaki-chi," and the 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party concluded with a closing declaration by Amano.

Under the theme of "Guidance for the 21st Century," the Century Farewell and Welcome Party was organized primarily by young members of the Keio Gijuku Shachu who will be active in the next generation. Amano remarked, "The new century is something that we who are here today will create. Thinking about our own dreams and speaking them in our own words is the driving force that will create a century of hope."