History of the Mita-kai

2002/03/01

Published in "Juku" No. 233, 2002

The Mita-kai, which originated from Yukichi Fukuzawa's high expectations for the young people who graduated from Keio University, was spontaneously born from the strong bonds between Keio University alumni.
This article provides an overview of the origins and history of the Mita-kai, which holds a significant place in the history and traditions of Keio University.

Yukichi Fukuzawa, who founded Keio University, aimed to cultivate individuals who would become leaders of society through the pursuit of jitsugaku (science). Yukichi Fukuzawa was not only dedicated to the education of Keio students but also held a keen interest in how the young people who graduated from the university would grow and develop in society. He conceived the idea of creating a place for social education where graduates could continue to acquire practical knowledge, not from books, but by exchanging knowledge with one another through conversation. First, in 1876, he established the Banraisha on Mita Hilltop Square as a social gathering place open to all members of the Keio Gijuku Shachu, including Keio students, Keio University alumni, and faculty. Then, in 1880, he expanded this initiative beyond the Keio Gijuku Shachu to the general public, establishing the Kojunsha in Ginza, Tokyo, which is Japan's oldest social club. This was a great achievement characteristic of Yukichi Fukuzawa, who highly valued the role of social interaction in Japan's modernization. It can be said that this emphasis on interpersonal "socializing" continues to live on in the strong bonds among Keio University alumni today.

The first alumni association meeting at the university is said to have been held in 1880 at Yushima Shoheikan, and records show that approximately 300 Keio University alumni, both old and new, attended. Thereafter, alumni meetings were held irregularly, and Yukichi Fukuzawa, who greatly valued these gatherings, actively attended alumni meetings in various regions.

In February 1901, Yukichi Fukuzawa passed away. Although Keio University had lost its central pillar, the spirit and solidarity of the Keio Gijuku Shachu grew even stronger, with a shared determination to unite and build upon his great achievements. On April 13 of the same year, at an alumni meeting held at the Fukuzawa villa in Hiroo, the "Keio University Alumni Association Regulations" were discussed and unanimously approved. Since then, in accordance with the regulations, alumni meetings have been held regularly twice a year, in spring and autumn.

Separate from this official alumni association, the Mita-kai was formed spontaneously by volunteer Keio University alumni. The name "Mita-kai" is said to have been first used in January 1902 by a group of volunteers in the Tokyo area at the Kojunsha, a club associated with Yukichi Fukuzawa. In March of the same year, the Yokohama Mita-kai was also established. Subsequently, Mita-kai chapters were actively formed not only in Japan but also among Keio University alumni assigned to various locations overseas. This demonstrates the strong sense of unity and solidarity that existed among Keio University alumni even at that time.

By 1930, the total number of Mita-kai chapters established in various regions had reached 100. It had also become impossible for all Keio University alumni scattered across the country to participate in the aforementioned official alumni meetings, and there was a growing desire for an organization that would facilitate close communication between the various Mita-kai chapters and the university, as well as mutual understanding. In the same year, volunteer Keio University alumni discussed the formation of the "Rengo Mita-kai" (Allied Mita-kai), and in November, the "1st Rengo Mita-kai Convention" was held at the Tokyo Kaikan in Marunouchi, Tokyo. Since then, the convention flourished, held at venues such as the Tokyo Kaikan and the Imperial Hotel, attracting several hundred participants each time. However, it was unavoidably suspended in 1944 due to the worsening war situation. After the war, the Rengo Mita-kai was revived in 1951 at Mita Hilltop Square.

In 1963, during the period of high economic growth, the "Rengo Mita-kai" was re-established as a new organization (renamed the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai in 1967). It continues to this day as a large group of university alumni, composed of various Mita-kai chapters, including those based on graduation year, region, and profession. In 1969, the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai launched its official publication, the "Mita Journal." In 1999, it also launched a website to enhance the provision of various information to Keio University alumni.

As of October 2001, a total of 871 organizations were registered with the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai. Each Mita-kai holds its own regular meetings, such as general meetings, family gatherings, volunteer activities, and welcome parties for new students, playing an important role in revitalizing the exchange and solidarity of the Keio Gijuku Shachu scattered throughout Japan and around the world. In the wake of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in January 1995, Mita-kai chapters from all over the country and the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai conducted relief activities for affected Keio University alumni, reaffirming that the spirit of "Shachu Kyoroku" (cooperation within the Keio community) remains unshakable even today.

The fact that the Mita-kai, an alumni and fellowship organization nurtured in a spirit of solidarity among Keio University alumni, has grown into an organization of such scale and unity is one of the proudest achievements in the history of Keio University. Furthermore, the vibrant activities of each Mita-kai, along with "Shachu Kyoroku," may be said to be the best embodiment of the spirit of independence and self-respect that Keio University upholds.