[Feature: Ocean Sustainability / Special Feature: 150th Anniversary of Keio Yochisha Elementary School] Shigenari Sugiura: The "Past" and "Future" of Keio Yochisha Elementary School

Image: 150th Anniversary Ceremony of Keio Yochisha Elementary School (May 30, Hiyoshi Commemorative Hall)

In this year, 2024 (Reiwa 6), Keio Yochisha Elementary School celebrated its 150th anniversary. This long history and tradition spanning 150 years began with Yoshiro Wada, who was entrusted by Yukichi Fukuzawa with the education of young Keio students, and has been woven together by numerous graduates, faculty, staff, and parents. Along with the fostered school spirit, I am grateful for the tangible and intangible benefits bestowed by our predecessors, and I feel fortunate to be spending time at Keio Yochisha Elementary School during this milestone year.

The beginning of Keio Yochisha Elementary School is said to be in 1874 (Meiji 7), when several children boarded at Yoshiro Wada's home on the Mita Hilltop Square, providing education as what was commonly known as "Wada Juku." In 1898 (Meiji 31), it moved from the Mita Hilltop Square to the western lowlands (the area below the cliff of the current university West School Building), and in 1937 (Showa 12), it moved to Hiroo, where it remains today.

The most difficult period in its 150-year history was likely the group evacuation during the Pacific War. From the end of August 1944 (Showa 19), students were evacuated to Shuzenji in Shizuoka Prefecture, and from early July 1945 (Showa 20), as the war situation worsened, they were re-evacuated to Kizukuri in Aomori Prefecture. The foundation of the current Keio Yochisha Elementary School was established by Kogoro Yoshida, who led the evacuation as the head of the evacuation school and served as Headmaster after the war. Mr. Yoshida created many aspects of Keio Yochisha Elementary School education that continue today, including the founding of the school magazine "Ko'uma," the revival of the "Yochisha Shimbun," and the introduction of coeducation starting in 1948 (Showa 23). Mr. Yoshida's sincere efforts continue to influence many teachers today.

The "Yochisha Song," first sung by all students in 1929 (Showa 4), is still sung today at opening and closing ceremonies and graduation ceremonies. The second verse of this song includes the lyrics: "The teachings of independence and self-respect / left by the great Yukichi Fukuzawa / let us put those instructions into practice / and become good children / with one heart." To "put Yukichi Fukuzawa's instructions into practice" means to be a "person who can practice independence and self-respect," and cultivating human resources who will eventually become leaders of the entire society has been the "past" of Keio Yochisha Elementary School and is a mission that will continue unchanged in the "future."

The aforementioned Mr. Yoshida stated in 1970 (Showa 45) that "The educational policy of Keio Yochisha Elementary School is to raise bright, honest, and firm children of high character within a harmonious bond between teachers and students, and to provide education that develops the individuality of each student on top of sufficient basic academic skills as an elementary school student. At its root, of course, is the educational spirit of Yukichi Fukuzawa. He sought to enhance the spirit of independence and self-respect in all Keio students, but in educating the young in particular, he placed importance on physical health and the elevation of character." From his many teachings, one can glimpse Yukichi Fukuzawa's educational spirit. And I believe that those "instructions" will continue to be a dazzling light pointing the way forward for Keio Yochisha Elementary School, just as they have in the past.

Current Keio Yochisha Elementary School education is based on the two pillars of the "six-year homeroom teacher system" and the "subject-specific specialist system." Keio Yochisha Elementary School students spend six years of their childhood together, accumulating many shared experiences. They learn the importance of gathering their strength, coming together, and uniting. In addition to regular classes, through activities such as seaside school and highland school involving overnight stays, they grow together, recognize each other's differences, help each other, and improve each other. This is thought to lead to the gradual acquisition of not only the spirit of independence and self-respect but also the spirit of coexistence and respect for others.

The "six-year homeroom teacher system," which began in 1897 (Meiji 30), is a system in which one teacher takes charge of one class as the homeroom teacher for six years. Mr. Tsuneki Mori, who was the Headmaster when this system began, stated that "one can well understand the stages of children's physical and mental development and grasp the progress of academic work vertically," but on the other hand, he also stated that "unless the teacher's character and academic ability are particularly excellent, one cannot entrust a child's life to them, and we must improve treatment to attract excellent teachers." If there is a belief that continuing this system will develop Keio Yochisha Elementary School education, then teachers themselves will be required to straighten their collars once again and engage in sincere and dedicated efforts toward academic research and education, as well as various forms of self-improvement, in addition to daily classroom practice.

Mr. Yukichi Maeda, who served as the manager of the Keio University Athletic Association Baseball Club for many years, said, "To protect tradition is to add something new to tradition." The new steps of Keio Yochisha Elementary School from now on will protect and respect the 150-year history and tradition, but will not be bound by them. First, toward the 151st year of Keio Yochisha Elementary School. And then, even further beyond. Without fearing change and without forgetting the spirit of enterprise, I want to continue to move forward without hesitation. The 150-year history of Keio Yochisha Elementary School is overflowing with the vitality to always take on new challenges.