150th Anniversary of the Mita Oratorical Society

Jan. 28, 2025

The Japanese wordenzetsu, now widely recognized, was first coined by Yukichi Fukuzawa as a translation of the English word "speech" in the context of public speaking. Fukuzawa integrated public speaking into the education at his school, making it accessible not only to Keio students but also to the general public. In 1874, he and his students established the Mita Oratorical Society, known in Japanese as the "Mita Enzetsukai." This year marks the 150th anniversary of its founding, offering an opportunity to revisit Fukuzawa's ideals ofenzetsuand reflect on its legacy at Keio and in Japan.

In pre-modern Japan, any formal expression of opinions was primarily conducted in writing, with verbal statements considered far less significant. However, the Meiji Restoration ushered in a push for parliamentary establishment, making verbal expression essential for discussion and debate. Yukichi Fukuzawa, familiar with the Western concept of public speaking, first translated it asenzetsu. He described it succinctly in the twelfth chapter of his seminal work An Encouragement of Learning: "Enzetsuis called 'speech' in English. It is a style of expressing one's views at a large assembly of people."

Fukuzawa then worked with Keio students to develop methods for practicing public speaking. Among these students were future Keio presidents such as Atsujiro Obata and Shinkichi Koizumi. They explored fundamental speaking techniques and styles, reportedly agreeing "never to burst into laughter," perhaps to maintain focus during the occasional awkward or humorous exchange. Through trial and error, they gradually formalized rules for speech and debate, refining the art ofenzetsuin Japanese.

In 1874, they opened the Mita Public Speaking Event to the general public. The following year, they built Japan's first dedicated speech hall, the Mita Enzetsukan (Public Speaking Hall), on Mita Campus. Books and guidelines on speech and debate were subsequently published, spreading theenzetsu movement that originated at Keio to a broader audience.

In the early 1880s, the Freedom and People's Rights Movement, which advocated for a constitution and parliament, ignited a nationwide surge inenzetsupublic speaking societies. Records from the era show that many speakers and organizations were led by Keio alumni, highlighting the significant role played by the Mita Oratorical Society in this "Era of Public Speaking." During the early sessions of the Imperial Diet, Keio alumni such as Yukio Ozaki, Tsuyoshi Inukai, and Kakugoro Inoue often stood out as central figures in debates, contributing significantly to key discussions.

The Mita Oratorical Society, however, was not limited to political rhetoric. It also aimed to serve as an academic forum, hosting renowned figures such as bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi, Tibetologist Ekai Kawaguchi, and seismologist Fusakichi Omori, who were celebrated internationally for their groundbreaking work.

During the Taisho Democracy, campaigns like the constitutional government protection movement led by Yukio Ozaki—resulting in the resignation of Prime Minister Taro Katsura's entire cabinet—highlighted the societal impact of speech, much like the Freedom and People's Rights Movement. As Japan's global stature grew with its participation in World War I, the society increasingly addressed international topics, including those related to Europe and Asia.

However, in the early Showa period, attempted coups such as the May 15 and February 26 incidents raised concerns about the power of speech amidst the rise of militarism. Tsuyoshi Inukai famously told the young armed officers during the May 15 Incident, "Let's talk it over," just before his tragic assassination. He exemplified an unwavering belief in the power of discourse, even in his final moments. Yet, as political pressures mounted, the Mita Oratorical Society held its final pre-war session in 1939 during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

After World War II, the Mita Oratorical Society was revived in 1951 as Japan regained independence. Since then, it has continued to uphold Keio University's long tradition ofenzetsu. Today, the event is held annually in December, providing Keio faculty and alumni the opportunity to give speeches, with the public also invited to attend. In 2024, the Mita Oratorical Society celebrates its 150th anniversary.

In addition toenzetsu, Fukuzawa also introduced Japanese translations for "debate" (benron/toron). The university's Debate Club (benronbu), an official student organization, continues his legacy by hosting an annual debate competition at the Mita Enzetsukan. Additionally, the Mita Enzetsukan hosts the student-led "Japanese Speech Contest for International Students," demonstrating how Fukuzawa's ideals have evolved to meet the needs of a globalized society.

In today’s fast-paced information society, social media allows anyone to share opinions instantly. However, the flood of fragmented information often hinders meaningful understanding of diverse perspectives, leading to outsized outrage and deepening divisions.

This makes it all the more important to revisit Fukuzawa's vision ofenzetsu: observing a speaker's every gesture and expression, sharing the atmosphere and time with an audience, and engaging in thoughtful reflection.

The Mita Enzetsukan (Public Speaking Hall) was constructed in 1875 as the dedicated speech hall for the Mita Oratorical Society. It has since been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Today, the hall continues to host the Mita Public Speaking Event and is used as a venue for honorary doctorate conferment ceremonies, as well as a variety of lectures and other events. A bust of Yukichi Fukuzawa stands nearby. (The hall is generally not open to the public.)

The Mita Public Speaking Event is held annually in December. Details are published on the Keio University website as they become available. The event is open to the public, though advance reservations are required.

Learn more about the Mita Public Speaking Event(In Japanese)

*This article originally appeared inStained Glass in the 2024 Autumn edition (No. 324) ofJuku.