University of Tokyo Founding Day

What 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 with four faculties—law, science, and letters (reorganized from Tokyo Kaisei School) and medicine (reorganized from Tokyo Medical School)
• 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 once observed on a different date. Under the Imperial University Ordinance of March 1, 1886, Tokyo University was reorganized as the "Imperial University" (renamed "Tokyo Imperial University" in 1897 when Kyoto Imperial University was founded), and its anniversary was March 1st. In April 1921, when the academic year was changed to begin in April, the anniversary was moved from March 1st to April 12th. The name "University of Tokyo" returned in 1947, April 12th remains its anniversary, and its entrance ceremony is also held around this time.

Campus Landmarks

• Akamon (Red Gate): The famous Red Gate on the Hongo campus was built in 1827 at the Edo residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga domain and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Despite its fame, it is not the university's main gate.
• Yasuda Auditorium: Officially called the "Grand Auditorium," it was built with an anonymous donation from Zenjirō Yasuda, founder of the Yasuda zaibatsu; after his death the donation became known, and it came to be called "Yasuda Auditorium."

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 -- observed on March 1st for a time before being moved to April 12th. Let April 12th be a chance to reflect on the history of learning itself, marking the starting point of Japan's modern higher education.