On the 15th of May 1868, the Boshin War had thrown Edo, present-day Tokyo, into a state of chaos. However, despite the battle between the Imperial forces and Tokugawa loyalists raging just five miles from his school, Yukichi Fukuzawa remained calm and continued to give his lecture on an economics text by the American economist Francis Wayland. In doing so, Fukuzawa demonstrated to his students his belief that when it came to pursuing education and research, there was not a moment to be lost. Since 1956, Keio has designated this day Yukichi Fukuzawa-Francis Wayland Memorial Lecture Day, and has celebrated it every year with a special lecture.
This year’s lecture given by Professor Shumpei Takemori of the Keio University Faculty of Economics and titled "Globalization and Populist Politics" took place at the Mita Public Speaking Hall (Mita Enzetsu-kan) on Wednesday, May 15. Focusing on the three elements of globalization, elitism, and nationalism, Professor Takemori examined populist trends from the 1860s up to the present day, a period which has seen momentous changes in social conditions.
The lecture was a great success with some people having to stand as the Speaking Hall filled to capacity on the day. The audience listened intently and many could be seen taking notes on the handouts for the lecture.