About the Mita-kai

The Mita-kai is an alumni association organized and operated voluntarily by Keio University alumni. The umbrella organization for these Mita-kai alumni associations is the Keio Rengo Mita-kai, which currently has over 880 registered Mita-kai alumni associations. Each Mita-kai engages in various activities to foster interaction and camaraderie among alumni. Furthermore, Mita-kai alumni associations contribute to Keio University in various ways, such as establishing scholarships for current Keio students, providing both tangible and intangible support for the educational projects of affiliated schools, and assisting with the Iji-kai (Support Group) activities. We encourage you to join and participate in a Mita-kai.

For more details, please refer to the Keio Rengo Mita-kai’s site.

The Mita-kai alumni associations can be broadly categorized into four types.

These Mita-kai alumni associations are composed of Keio University alumni from the same graduation year, equivalent to what is commonly known as a class reunion. A formation ceremony for each academic-year Mita-kai is held annually after the commencement, and alumni become members upon graduation.

These Mita-kai alumni associations are formed by Keio University alumni who live or work in the same region, and each develops activities that leverage the unique characteristics of their area. Many are formed not only within Japan but also overseas, with many groups fostering camaraderie among entire families.

These Mita-kai alumni associations are formed by Keio University alumni who belong to the same profession, industry, or company. They facilitate information exchange among competitors in the same industry and foster camaraderie across generations.

In addition, a wide variety of Mita-kai alumni associations are formed based on connections made during their time at Keio University, such as those composed of alumni from clubs, student groups, or seminars, and alumni associations organized by faculty or graduate school.

On January 25, Meiji 12 (1879), at the New Year's opening ceremony, Fukuzawa-sensei gathered all the students in the Enzetsukan (Public Speaking Hall). He spoke about the spirit of Keio Gijuku Shachu Kyoryoku cooperation, a characteristic of Keio University since its founding, drawing from its history. He also hosted a lively banquet attended by both faculty members and Keio University alumni. This was also a time when Keio University, in the aftermath of the Seinan War, faced severe financial difficulties, potentially leading to bankruptcy if a single misstep was made. It was likely a period when the urgency of Keio Gijuku Shachu Kyoryoku cooperation was acutely felt. The following year, Meiji 13 (1880), Keio University gathered Keio University alumni from its founding and began holding meetings named "Doso-kai" (alumni association) at Yushima Shoheikan, with the aim of fostering pleasant conversation among them. Records indicate that approximately 300 people participated. This was the first alumni association meeting at Keio University. Although subsequent meetings were held irregularly, following the passing of Fukuzawa-sensei in Meiji 34 (1901), all members of the Keio Gijuku Shachu gathered at Yukichi Fukuzawa’s villa in Hiroo to hold an alumni association meeting. To ensure the long-term continuation of the association, they decided to establish alumni association bylaws and strengthen the organization

Thus, in the following year, Meiji 35 (1902), the Mita-kai was inaugurated at Kojunsha. Subsequently, Mita-kai alumni associations gradually emerged in various locations both domestically and internationally, and alumni meetings began to be held. 

By Showa 5 (1930), over 100 Mita-kai alumni associations had been formed. To facilitate close communication between each Mita-kai and Keio University, and to promote mutual understanding, volunteers gathered and discussed methods for Mita-kai activities. As a result, it was decided to form the Rengo Mita-kai. Regulations were established, and the first Rengo Mita-kai meeting was held at the Tokyo Kaikan Hall, welcoming 329 participants. 

Since then, the number of Mita-kai alumni associations registered with the flourishing Rengo Mita-kai has reached 862 as of 2015, categorized by university graduation year, region, workplace/profession, and various other associations. While each association conducts its own activities, the annual Rengo Mita-kai Convention gathers over 20,000 members of the Keio Gijuku Shachu at the Hiyoshi Campus.