Statues of Yukichi Fukuzawa on Each Campus

1999/07/01

Published in "Juku" No. 220, 1999

Bronze statues and portraits depicting Yukichi Fukuzawa, the founder of Keio University, can be found not only on Keio University's campuses but also throughout Japan. This article will introduce the bronze statues of Yukichi Fukuzawa located on each campus.

It is said that the idea of creating a bronze statue of Yukichi Fukuzawa first emerged around 1891. The desire to preserve his image for future generations arose among Keio University alumni, and it is said that nearly 1,000 people quickly voiced their support. Although Yukichi Fukuzawa initially disagreed with the creation of a bronze statue, he is said to have eventually consented to the enthusiastic wishes of the alumni. The task was undertaken by Ujihiro Okuma, a renowned sculptor of the time. After about three years, a life-sized seated statue was completed. This was the very first statue of Yukichi Fukuzawa.

Location : Left of the main entrance of the Old University Library (relocated on September 29, 1983)

Year of acquisition : January 10, 1954

Creator : Keisuke Shibata (Jury-exempt artist of the Nitten Exhibition)

Donor : Yukichi Fukuzawa Bronze Statue Construction Committee (The back is inscribed with "independence and self-respect" and "Respectfully made by Kaseki, 1953")

●Created with enthusiastic advice from Takiko Shidachi, Yukichi Fukuzawa's fourth daughter, and Rakuten Kitazawa.

●The unveiling ceremony for the bronze statue was held at the Kojunsha on May 22, 1953.

●The fourth version of the statue.

Location : In front of the library

Year of acquisition : May 18, 1985

Creator : Tsuneto Yamana

Donor : Keio University School of Commerce and Industry and Keio Industrial School Alumni Association

●Known as a meeting spot for students ("Yukichi-mae").

Location : Between the Media Center and the research and lecture buildings

Year of acquisition : October 1991

Creator : Tsuneto Yamana, 1985

Donor : Keio University School of Commerce and Industry Alumni Association, including graduates of the Keio Industrial School and the first and second special graduating classes of Chutobu Junior High School

Location : Lobby of the main entrance of the University Hospital Central Building

Year of acquisition : April 27, 1975

Creator : Kaseki Shibata

Donor : Donated as a graduation gift by the third graduating class (1925) of the School of Medicine

Location : Just inside the school building after going up the ramp from the main gate

Year of acquisition : Relocated to Shiki Senior High School in June 1969. This is the first version of the statue mentioned earlier, unveiled on October 22, 1893. It was initially installed on the second floor of the Rengakodo (Auditorium) in Mita, but was stored in the earthen storehouse of Fukuzawa's home from 1895 onward.

Creator : Ujihiro Okuma

●Located on the way to the classrooms, it is said that many students used to bow to it before heading to class.