University of Tokyo Founding Day
Historical AnniversariesWhat Is University of Tokyo Founding Day?
April 12th marks the anniversary of the founding of the University of Tokyo, commemorating the day in 1877 when Tokyo Kaisei School and Tokyo Medical School merged to form "Tokyo University," a state-run university under the Ministry of Education.
The Birth of Japan's First Modern University
The University of Tokyo was established as Japan's first modern university, modeled on the university systems of Europe and the United States.
- Its predecessor schools: tracing back to the Edo shogunate's Shoheizaka Academy, Kaiseijo, and Igakusho, these institutions were reorganized several times after the Meiji Restoration into Tokyo Kaisei School and Tokyo Medical School
- Its founding faculties: launched as a comprehensive university with faculties of law, science, letters, and medicine
- Its purpose: established to carry the nation's hopes as a place to train the talent needed to catch up with the West
The Anniversary's Surprising History
This anniversary actually has an unusual history -- it was changed to a different date once before. April 12th was designated as the founding anniversary in 1885, but when the Imperial University Ordinance was enacted the following year, 1886, the anniversary was moved to March 1st. It wasn't restored to April 12th until 1936. Today, the university's entrance ceremony is held to coincide with this date.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Learn about the University of Tokyo's history and the path that led to its founding
- Trace how Japan's higher education system took shape in the early Meiji era
- Learn about the University of Tokyo's current campuses and faculties
- Reflect on the founding history of the school you yourself attended
A History of Learning, Carried Forward Through Many Changes
University of Tokyo Founding Day followed an unusual path -- changed once, then restored to its original date. Let April 12th be a chance to reflect on the history of learning itself, marking the starting point of Japan's modern higher education.