The 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party

Image: The stage reaching its finale

On New Year's Eve in 2000, the eve of the 21st century, the 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party was held at Mita Hilltop Square. This event originates from the Century Farewell and Welcome Party organized by college students 100 years earlier on December 31, 1900. At that time, a congratulatory address titled "Farewell to the 19th Century" by future President Kiroku Hayashi was read, stating, "The eventful 19th century has finally passed, and the vast 20th century has arrived." The event reportedly featured a volley of fire at caricatures depicting Japan's bad habits, and at midnight, a set-piece firework display of "20th Century" appeared in the night sky. It is well known that Yukichi Fukuzawa also participated in his final years, calligraphy writing the phrase "Independence and self-respect to welcome the new century" the following morning.

Following the wishes of President Yasuhiko Torii, the 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party Executive Committee was launched in July by students and young staff members, led by Kei Amano (3rd year, Faculty of Policy Management). Subsequently, more students and staff joined, and by December, plans including those from affiliated schools were finalized. It was decided to adopt "Keio Time," which set the clocks at Mita Hilltop Square six hours ahead, holding the event from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Participants were distributed wristwatches set to "Keio Time" as commemorative gifts at the reception.

On the day, a wide variety of programs took place, including a special dialogue between former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and Professor Heizo Takenaka, twelve famous 20th-century lectures, and the digital event "Time Browser," as well as exhibitions by affiliated schools in various buildings. In the courtyard, the Mita Merchants Association distributed sweet sake. On the courtyard stage, following the opening declaration, programs such as the "Declaration for the 21st Century," where students from elementary school to university shouted their goals on stage, and a group reading of "The Tale of the Heike" were held. As the sun set, the Old University Library and the East Building were illuminated, building momentum for the new century. At midnight Keio Time, the courtyard was filled with participants who welcomed the new century a bit early with a "count-up," symbolizing the intent to proactively overcome the new century. This was followed by a speech from President Torii and a grand chorus of "Wakaki-chi," and the 2nd Century Farewell and Welcome Party concluded with Amano's closing declaration.

Under the theme of "Guidance for the 21st Century," the Century Farewell and Welcome Party was organized primarily by the young Keio Gijuku Shachu who will lead the next generation. Amano remarked, "The new century is something that we who are here today will create. Thinking about our own dreams and speaking them in our own words is the driving force that will create a century of hope."