2000/01/01
From "Juku," 1999, no. 223
99 years ago, a lively event called the "Century Farewell and Welcome Party," hosted by Keio students, was held at Keio University on the Mita Hilltop Square.
This took place on New Year's Eve in the 33rd year of the Meiji era, which was December 31, 1900—the very eve of the 20th century.
Let us now look back on this festival, which strongly conveys a forward-looking determination for the new century.
The "Address for the Farewell and Welcome of the Century," Expressing the Will for a New Century and Met with Thunderous Applause
That evening, approximately 500 people, including founder Yukichi Fukuzawa, Keio University alumni, and students, gathered in the great hall at Mita, and the "Century Farewell and Welcome Party" began at 8:00 p.m. The master of ceremonies, Junichi Hagiwara, gave the opening address, followed by greetings from President Eikichi Kamata and Head Teacher Ikunoshin Kadono. Next, Kiroku Hayashi, who was then the head of the Keio Futsubu School (and later President), recited the address for the farewell and welcome of the century, titled "Farewell, 19th Century," in a clear, resonant voice.
"'The eventful 19th century has finally passed, and the promising 20th century is here. (Omission) Many thanks to the hero Napoleon, for it was you who raised the curtain on the glorious 19th century...'"
Incorporating the names of great figures of the 19th century—statesmen and military leaders like Bismarck and Moltke, philosophers such as Hegel, Schopenhauer, and Mill, and writers like Goethe, Tennyson, Hugo, and Byron—Kiroku Hayashi's speech moved toward its core message. Its main points were as follows.
—The civilization of the 19th century was a triumph of natural science, but the progress of science led to inequality between the rich and the poor. Furthermore, the 19th century, which began with the liberation of political and ideological slaves, ended by creating economic and material slaves. It is our duty, living in the 20th century, to bring to full fruition the brilliant flower of civilization nurtured by the great figures of the 19th century...
"'Gentlemen, Keio University has always considered itself a champion of the army of civilization. As we bid farewell to the 19th century and welcome the new frontier of the 20th, let us make our party's aspirations particularly brilliant and grand.'"
As the recitation concluded in this manner, the students erupted in loud cheers, praising Kiroku Hayashi's eloquent speech, which was filled with beautiful rhetoric.
This was because his beautiful voice, honed since his student days at the Enzetsukan (Public Speaking Hall) at Mita, combined with the content, rich with the new knowledge of the time, to create a magnificent performance that impressed everyone present.
The Spice of the Banquet: Bidding Farewell to the 19th Centurywith Caricatures and Performances
With the excitement from the recitation of the "Address for the Farewell and Welcome of the Century" still lingering, the attendees moved to the new auditorium for a banquet, enjoying their meal while watching performances (entertainment) by several Keio students. In addition, dozens of caricatures created by members of the Palette Club were displayed in the hall, capturing the interest of the attendees. Incidentally, all of these caricatures were themed around events of the 19th century, such as the Triple Intervention, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, and the coronation of the Russian Tsar.
The performances were also fitting for the arrival of the new century and had a unique plot. A skeleton personifying the 19th century realizes its time is up and tries to pass its crown to a child representing the 20th century. The world's great powers plot to seize the crown, but are thwarted by Japan, and in the end, the crown is bestowed upon the child by Japan's hand... The novel performance received a standing ovation, and the applause is said to have continued for some time.
"20th Century" Appears in the Winter Night Sky
As midnight approached, the attendees moved to the athletic field on campus. A large bonfire was lit, surrounded by a forest of lanterns. In the brightness, which was like daylight, three caricatures were displayed high in the air: "The Dream of a Confucian Scholar," "The Evils of the Class System," and "The Ugliness of Concubinage." Numerous other allegorical caricatures by Yukichi Fukuzawa were also lined up, and square lantern stands were placed, inscribed with phrases such as "independence and self-respect," "The Light of Civilization," "Illuminating the Four Seas," and "The Lamp of Society."
At exactly midnight, on a teacher's command, students fired five consecutive volleys at the three caricatures. Simultaneously, the caricatures were set on fire and went up in flames. Then, fireworks spelled out the words "20th Century," appearing clearly in the winter night sky. The evils of the 19th century had vanished, and the 20th century was joyously welcomed.
The events of this "Century Farewell and Welcome Party" were reported with illustrations in the *Jiji Shinpō* and became a topic of public interest.
100 Years After the Passing of Yukichi FukuzawaFacing the New Century with Renewed Determination
It is said that on the day of the "Century Farewell and Welcome Party," Yukichi Fukuzawa was in high spirits, chatting cheerfully throughout the banquet. He then presented the phrase "independence and self-respect to Welcome the New Century" to all present (see photo). "independence and self-respect" is, of course, the founding spirit of Keio University. The powerful brushstrokes of this magnificent calligraphy seem to convey hope and confidence for the new century.
However, shortly thereafter, Yukichi Fukuzawa suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away on February 3, 1901 (Meiji 34). As the 100th anniversary of Yukichi Fukuzawa's passing approaches next year, Keio University, as one of its commemorative projects, is planning to publish a collection of his letters and is currently collecting materials and information for this purpose. We would greatly appreciate the cooperation of everyone affiliated with the Juku. We are also considering holding another "Century Farewell and Welcome Party" at Keio University on the eve of the new century.
How much hope and confidence will we be able to bring to the welcoming of the new century...? With these thoughts in mind, is it not profoundly meaningful to reflect once more on the spirit of the people at the "Century Farewell and Welcome Party" a century ago?
Jiji Shinpō
Launched in March 1882 under the guidance of Yukichi Fukuzawa, with Hikojiro Nakamigawa as president. Advocating for impartiality and non-partisanship, this stance was groundbreaking at a time known as the era of party-affiliated newspapers, and it increased its circulation, primarily among the business community. It was a pioneer in signing a special contract with Reuters and maintained its status as what would be called a quality paper today, but its headquarters was completely destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Subsequently, it lost out in the sales competition and merged with the *Tokyo Nichi Nichi Shimbun* in the early Showa era. It was republished in 1946 but merged with (and was effectively absorbed by) the *Sangyo Keizai Shimbun* (now the *Sankei Shimbun*) in 1955.