More Than Just Keio Merchandise | Shoichi Maeda, Dean of the Graduate School of Health Management
Recently, I have had more opportunities to visit the Mita Campus of Keio University, and I occasionally stop by the Mita Information Plaza. It is a perfect place to spend time before a meeting or an appointment. I have come to enjoy browsing the pamphlets introducing various departments to learn about their initiatives, or peeking into the official Keio University goods corner at the back of the first floor. The shop sells not only standard items like ballpoint pens and mugs, but even traditional sweets and face masks, making me feel the expanding range of school merchandise.
Speaking of school merchandise, I have had a connection with it for a long time; whenever university officials from overseas visit, there is a high probability that I receive them as souvenirs. Some items are a surprisingly perfect fit, while others, perhaps due to overseas sizing, include rather large T-shirts and hoodies. The items I receive are not just apparel. From ballpoint pens to mugs, they are basically all daily necessities.
Strangely, however, while these items are daily necessities, for some reason they are difficult to use on a daily basis. Even a ballpoint pen somehow feels too special for everyday use in my hands. This cannot be explained by rarity alone. It is true that goods from overseas universities are not easily obtainable, but at the very least, Keio goods can be purchased anytime if you go to the Mita Campus. Perhaps within me, there is a sense of respect or a slight hesitation toward the university or community symbolized by that logo, making it something I cannot easily consume. This is likely even more the case when it belongs to the community to which I myself belong.
By the way, this happened during either the graduate school commencement or the graduate school entrance ceremony this spring. On the way to the stage, while waiting behind the stage, I overheard speakers talking about their ties for the day. One said, "I don't have a Keio tie, so..." Actually, I was the same. Although I have a longing for that tie with the alternating navy and red pattern, perhaps because I never quite felt ready to wear those traditional Keio colors myself, there was a sense of embarrassment about wearing it, and for a long time, it remained merely something I admired from afar.
After leaving the Information Plaza, I encountered a group of what appeared to be Keio Chutobu Junior High School students on their way home. There, I saw students wearing hoodies with the word "Keio" on them—the same ones I had just seen—quite naturally. Setting aside school-designated gym clothes or sports team uniforms, the sight of the logo blending into their private clothes for commuting was impressive to me. Keio goods were also hanging from their school bags. There was a more natural way of interacting with them, different from me, who treats even a ballpoint pen as something special.
Looking at such a scene, it seems that official Keio University goods are not just souvenirs or gift items, but things that gradually give shape to a sense of belonging and solidarity in daily life. Of course, the sense of distance from the goods differs between the students and me. Nevertheless, the role the goods play is likely the same for me as well.
Incidentally, I am told that the sales of official Keio University goods are allocated to scholarship funds and returned to Keio students. The goods are not mere products, but part of a cycle that supports the Keio community.
Thinking about various things regarding Keio goods like this, I finally purchased a Keio-colored tie today. However, it seems likely that this tie will also be treated as "superior" in my office for a while.
So, as usual, this was another rambling diary entry.
P.S. To all alumni with some extra room in your wallets, please consider purchasing some goods before they sell out. There is also an online store! Incidentally, I am not the sales promotion manager for Keio goods.