Mita-Kai Homecoming Day (Keio Rengo Mita-Kai Taikai), a customary gathering of Keio University alumni, was held on Hiyoshi Campus on Sunday, October 21. This year’s event had the concept of "KEIO KITCHEN" with the slogan "Create the future by cultivating life." Market stalls were set up on the Athletics Field and attendees could be seen enjoying the cuisine on offer, which used ingredients sourced from throughout Japan.
As the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall is currently being rebuilt, this year’s anniversary celebrations were held at "Hiyoshi Kaido" Senior High School Gymnasium. Following the opening remarks by Ryuichi Masuoka, chairperson of the event committee, the Keio School Flag was raised and the Keio Alma Mater "The Juku-ka" sung. Subsequently, a speech by Keio Rengo Mita-Kai President Yoshiki Hiki and a congratulatory address by Keio President Akira Haseyama were followed by a rendition of "Wakaki-chi" by all those in attendance. Keio University alumni celebrating the 50th year anniversary of their 1968 graduation had been invited to attend the commemorative ceremony, and could be seen renewing old acquaintances at the get-together following the ceremony.
In addition to the lively scenes witnessed at Hiyoshi Kaido during a performance by Keio alumni Yuzo Kayama, various meticulously planned events which could be enjoyed by men, women, and children alike were held at the respective venues, with the proceedings climaxing with a raffle draw.
The day was blessed with resplendent weather and a good time was had by all, with Hiyoshi Campus thronged and enlivened by the approximately 22,000 visitors including alumni and their families who had assembled from throughout Japan.