The Relationship between Keio University Alumni and Keio University

Keio University calls its graduates Keio University alumni and the Keio Gijuku Shachu refers to Keio University alumni, Keio students, faculty and staff members, and guardians of Keio students. The term “Shachu” meant a corporation. Although Keio Gijuku is indeed a private school, it is by no means the private property of an individual, but rather the shared property of the Keio Gijuku Shachu, and should serve the public good. This idea was put forth in the first year of the Meiji era (1868).

Here, we introduce several opportunities for Keio University alumni to engage in Keio Gijuku Shachu Kyoryoku (cooperation) after graduation.

1. Reunion for Keio Alumni

Each year, Keio University invites Keio University alumni celebrating their 25th anniversary of graduation to the 25th Anniversary Reunion for Keio Alumni held during the commencement allowing them to witness the proceedings. Similarly, Keio University alumni celebrating their 50th anniversary of graduation are invited to the 50th Anniversary Reunion for Keio Alumni during the entrance ceremony, where they watch over the new students who are about to become Keio students.

Approximately 400 alumni participate in the 25th Anniversary of Graduation Reunion for Keio Alumni, and about 1,600 Keio Alumni participate in the 50th Anniversary Reunion for Keio Alumni. Through these reunions, many Keio University alumni rekindle old friendships.

2.The Mita-kai (Alumni Association)

The Mita-kai is an organization voluntarily formed and operated by Keio University alumni. There are the Academic-year Mita-kai based on the year of graduation, the Regional Mita-kai, established in various regions both domestically and internationally, the Workplace/Profession-specific Mita-kai formed by companies or industries, and Other Mita-kais that gather based on clubs, student groups, seminars, etc. The overarching organization for these Mita-kais is the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai. Over 880 Mita-kais are registered. Each Mita-kai also operates in cooperation with Keio University.

The Mita-kai serve as a place for Keio University alumni to interact and foster fellowship, so please consider joining and participating.

Keio Rengo Mita-Kai’s site

Mita-Kai Homecoming Day (Keio Rengo Mita-Kai Taikai)

At the Mita-Kai Homecoming Day (Keio Rengo Mita-Kai Taikai) held every autumn, over 20,000 members of the Keio Gijuku Shachu, including Keio University alumni, their families, Keio students, and local residents, gather to enjoy a day at the Hiyoshi Campus. In addition to lectures, symposiums, and concerts, there are a wide variety of attractions, such as a lottery drawing with luxurious prizes. The Homecoming Day is organized by the Academic-year Mita-kai celebrating their 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries of graduation. On the day of the event, the entire Hiyoshi Campus is enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

3.The Iji-kai (Support Group)

The Keio Gijuku Iji-kai (Support Group) is a traditional organization established upon the passing of Fukuzawa-sensei, with the purpose of receiving donations for the maintenance and operation of Keio University. Currently, it has over 40,000 members, and the generous contributions from everyone are widely utilized for Keio University's educational and research activities, with scholarship support as its core activity. During your membership period, you will receive Mita-hyoron (official monthly journal published by Keio University Press). We encourage many of you to join.

The Keio Gijuku Iji-kai’s site

4. Keio Card

The Keio Card is a credit card issued in partnership with Keio University, Keio Academic Enterprise Co., Ltd., and credit card companies. A portion of the usage fees is utilized as scholarships for Keio students. Additionally, the Keio Card offers unique services. We hope that many of you will use it as a bond that connects the Keio Gijuku Shachu.

The Keio Card’s site