The 2026 Mita-Kai Homecoming Day (Keio Rengo Mita-Kai Taikai) was held over two days on October 17 and 18. This event is an annual homecoming day where the "Keio Gijuku Shachu"—consisting of Keio University alumni and their families—gather together. This year, the event was scaled up to span two days, featuring the first-ever "Rengo Mita-Kai Symposium (Social Design Woven by 'Knowledge' and 'Bonds')" at the Mita Campus on the 17th, followed by the main event at the Hiyoshi Campus on the 18th.
This year's slogan was "The Bonds of Shachu, Illuminating the Future." In a modern era where individualism and nationalism are intensifying in some areas, the slogan reflects a strong desire for the Keio Gijuku Shachu to deepen their bonds under the spirit of the Juku and to illuminate the future of society as a whole from a long-term perspective.
At the Rengo Mita-Kai Symposium on the 17th, Keio University alumni and researchers active in academia, business, and politics took the stage. The program included a keynote speech and six sessions envisioning future society (Innovation, Regional Revitalization, Corporate Intelligence, Education, The Era of 100-Year Life, and The Power of Japan).
The commemorative ceremony held at the Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall on the 18th was attended by many stakeholders, including Keio University alumni celebrating the 50th anniversary of their graduation, and proceeded in a solemn atmosphere. After the ceremony, the venue was enlivened by a spectacular stage lineup, including a special project related to the popular TV drama "VIVANT," a brilliant performance by Keio University alumni active in the world of Kabuki, the annual lucky draw, and a high-energy rap performance.
In addition, the event was a great success with a wealth of attractive content for all generations, such as a special stage featuring Sanrio characters, sports projects, an exhibition and ride-along experience of an ambulance delivered to Keio University Hospital this year, and an interaction session with facility dogs.
Under a clear autumn sky, the campus was lined with the event's famous food stalls, and participants enjoyed "Shachu-Koukan" (socializing among the Shachu) with delicious food and drinks from all over the country.
What is Shachu-Koukan?
"Shachu" is a collective term that includes everyone who makes up Keio University: Keio students (university, high school, junior high, and elementary students), Keio University alumni, and faculty and staff. In the "Shachu," those who teach and those who are taught are on equal footing. "Shachu-Koukan" refers to these fellow members of the Shachu gathering across generations to deepen their mutual interaction.
Photography: Aki Takematsu
*Keio Camera Club