Keio University has held commemorative events for the birthday of its founder, Fukuzawa Yukichi, on January 10 since the Meiji period, meaning that this tradition has lasted for over one hundred years.
The exhibition originated as a New Year's celebration where pieces of calligraphy that Fukuzawa had scribed were hung as decorations. After World War II, it became an annual event to display newly acquired pieces and materials. In the past, this was an exclusive event held only on January 10. However, the exhibition was extended for the viewing public after the museum was founded.
2026 marks the 125th anniversary of Fukuzawa's passing on February 3, 1901. In addition to the newly discovered letter written by Fukuzawa, this year's exhibition includes memorabilia from the former collection of E. B. Clark, also known as the father of Japanese rugby, postwar Keio Chutobu Junior High School uniform in an unrecorded color, and the special school flag for league-deciding Waseda-Keio baseball matches (recently retired), among other materials connected to Keio's rich history.
Overview
・Dates: Saturday, January 10, 2026–Saturday, February 7, 2026
・Closed: Sundays and Holidays
・Venue: 2nd Floor, Old University Library, Temporary Exhibition Room, Keio History Museum
・Open: 10:00―18:00
*This exhibition is open to the public
Exhibition page: https://history.keio.ac.jp/?page_id=4448(available in Japanese)
*Please check the museum's English website for future updates: https://history.keio.ac.jp/en/
