Keio University

Schools that Adorned the History of Keio

1997/07/01

Published in "Juku" No. 206, 1997

After the war, the school education system in Japan changed significantly due to educational reforms.
Under the new educational system, Keio University also began transitioning all of its existing schools to the new system from 1947 (Showa 22).
Unfortunately, some of these schools were closed down.
Here, we introduce the "phantom schools" that adorned the history of Keio and played a part in its educational activities.


University-Affiliated Medical College

Established in 1944 (Showa 19) as an attachment to the university, this institution was created for the short-term training of clinicians to meet the growing demand for military doctors and to address the shortage of clinical physicians due to conscription during the final stages of the Pacific War.

Since specialized schools for medical sciences were not permitted under the new post-war educational system, the school stopped accepting new students from the 1947 academic year and was abolished after the graduation of its remaining students.

Junior College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry

Established in 1944 (Showa 19), it was converted into Keio University Agricultural High School in 1949 (Showa 24). Total number of graduates: 356.

School of Commerce and Industry

Opened in 1905 (Meiji 38), it had a 45-year history until its closure in March 1949 (Showa 24). The total number of graduates since its founding was 5,873.

School of Commerce

Founded in 1891 (Meiji 24) as a night school. Under the new educational system, it closed its doors in 1948 (Showa 23), ending a history that spanned nearly 60 years.

Technical School

Opened in 1944 (Showa 19) as a technical school with day and evening divisions, following the suspension of student admissions at the School of Commerce and Industry and the School of Commerce. It was abolished in 1949 (Showa 24).

Higher Division

Launched in 1922 (Taisho 11) as the Professional Division, it was renamed the Higher Division in 1925 (Taisho 14). It continued as a three-year professional school until it stopped accepting new students in 1944 (Showa 19) and was closed after the graduation of its remaining students. Within Keio, which advocates for integrated education, it was known as a unique institution that practiced terminal education.

Left: School of Commerce and Industry building. Center: Mita Campus in 1932 (Showa 7). Right: University and Higher Division buildings (Mita).
A classroom scene at the Junior College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry
A classroom scene at the School of Commerce
Graduates of the School of Commerce in 1893 (Meiji 26)
Office of the School of Medicine's Professional Division
Laboratory at the School of Commerce and Industry
Students from the Junior College of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry conducting an experiment
The "Clock Tower of Independence and Self-Respect," donated by graduates of the School of Commerce and Industry (erected on Mita Inariyama in 1975 [Showa 50])

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