A Buddhist memorial service to mark the 118th anniversary of Yukichi Fukuzawa’s passing was held on Saturday, February 3 at Azabu-san Zenpuku-ji, a temple in Moto-Azabu, Minato City. Many people associated with Keio University prayed in front of Fukuzawa’s grave on this day dedicated to his memory and referred to as “Yukichiki,” including students from the affiliated schools to the university, alumni, and faculty and staff members. The long line of visitors making their way to the temple on a day with fine weather included students of Keio Yochisha Elementary School and Keio Yokohama Elementary School alongside their family members.
On February 3, 1901, Fukuzawa passed away at the age of 66 after suffering a stroke at his home located on the Mita Campus. Originally, he was buried in a graveyard in Kami-Osaki (which later became the Joko-ji cemetery). However, in 1977, his remains were moved to their current location of Azabu-san Zenpuku-ji.