On Saturday, September 26, the ceremony for the Reunion for Keio Alumni 5 Years After Graduation was held at Mita Campus starting at 1:30 p.m. The event was open to 2021 graduates and alumni of both regular and correspondence courses, with approximately 600 people gathering on the day. For this generation, who spent the end of their student lives in the unprecedented environment of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a special day to celebrate their first reunion at their alma mater in five years.
The ceremony was held in the West School Building Hall, and following the Rendition of Alma Mater "The Juku-ka", a video message of welcome was delivered by President Kohei Itoh.
Next, Vice-President Tetsuya Komagata stood to deliver a congratulatory address, commending the participants for overcoming difficulties such as online classes and activity restrictions, and emphasizing that "the experience of adapting to change is your greatest strength." Citing a passage from Gakumon no susume (An Encouragement of Learning)—"He who does not advance will surely retreat; he who does not retreat will surely advance"—he offered words of encouragement for them to move forward powerfully with confidence in their own experiences. He also added the words, "While Keio students graduate, Keio University alumni never do," expressing his expectations for them to continue playing active roles in society while cherishing their connection with Keio University.
Yutaka Aso, Chairman of the Keio Rengo Mita-Kai, spoke about the bonds of the Mita-kai, which has over 850 branches domestically, internationally, and within various professional fields, stating that "stimulating one another with peers is the true value of Keio." He also compared a 90-year life to a clock, telling the audience that "being in your 20s is still only 6:00 a.m.," and delivered a passionate message urging them to challenge themselves with "stretch goals" that push their limits, guided by the spirit of "How lucky we are."
Mr. Mizoguchi, representing the 2021 Mita-kai, stood to give a greeting on behalf of the Keio University alumni. He cited Yukichi Fukuzawa's words, "Support the nation without relying on the nation," and referred to their role as members who support society. He expressed his hope that new collaborations and insights would emerge from dialogues with classmates who have gained diverse experiences, and shared his ambition to make the Mita-kai a place where members can support each other's journeys across the boundaries of faculties and clubs. This was followed by the introduction of the 2021 Mita-kai officers and the presentation of the Keio School Flag.
After the ceremony concluded, participants moved to the Co-op Cafeteria, Yamashoku, and The Cafeteria venues, where a celebratory reception was held.
The reception began with a toast, and each venue was filled with lively conversation as people rejoiced in their long-awaited reunions and updated each other on their lives. In addition to a raffle to win official Keio merchandise, the end of the event featured a rendition of "Wakaki-chi" and a powerful performance by the leaders of the 2021 Mita-kai Keio Cheer Group. The entire venue joined together in singing the cheer song, and the event drew to a successful close as participants renewed their bonds with old friends and their pride as members of Keio University.