(From left) Okada, Aoki (Waseda University), Yasukawa, and Aoi (Keio University)
Every Waseda University student knows about the Waseda-Keio game. Waseda University and Keio University have long considered each other to be rivals. Nowadays, Waseda-Keio games exist not only in sports but in many other fields. This time, as a special project to commemorate our founding, a roundtable discussion between Waseda and Keio students will be held! We asked them about their daily interactions in student club and their feelings for each other. We also asked Professor Kyozaburo Takeda (Faculty of Science and Engineering), who was originally from Keio and now teaches at Waseda, about the merits of Waseda and Keio. We'll also introduce you to the Waseda-Keio sports games that you can enjoy right now, as well as the Waseda-Keio collaboration that you'll benefit from knowing.
▼Rivals or comrades!? We asked student club we have contact with at Waseda and Keio University.
▼What Waseda-Keio feels like to Faculty who were involved in the establishment of “Waseda Mita-kai”
▼Check out the Waseda-Keio University collaboration at the library and Career Center!
Rivals or comrades!? We asked student club of friends at Waseda-Keio University
male chorus student club
Yuhi Aoki, 4th year School of Education Glee Club, Waseda University
Wagner Society Male Chorus Ryoto Yasukawa, third year student, Faculty of Science and School of Science and Engineering, Keio University
art student club
Shinya Okada, 3rd year student School of Political Science and Economics
Palette Club, an integrated arts organization Shintaro Aoi, third year student, Faculty of Economics, Keio University
Waseda and Keio student club have exchanges in choral music and art
--First of all, please tell us about the activities of your student club.
Aoki: I am the director (secretary general) of the Waseda University Glee Club. There are two main activities, one of which is regular concerts held four times a year. This also includes joint concerts with other universities, such as the Tokyo Six Universities Choral Federation (hereinafter referred to as "Rokuren") and the East and West Four Universities Choral Federation (hereinafter referred to as "Shiren"). The other type of concert is a request from outside the university. The atmosphere within the club is exactly like that of an all-boys school, and there are no NG words or condescension when exchanging opinions. It feels like the “harmony” has become even stronger.
Yasukawa: The Wagner Society Male Choir at Keio University, to which I belong, is a historical student club that was founded in 1901 and will celebrate its 120th anniversary in 2021. Under the guidance of an opera singer teacher, we try to sing in a way that follows the vocal style of a vocalist. Singing in chorus uses your inner muscles, so I have an athletic side that sometimes involves working out. Our activities are almost the same as Glee Club, and we have even performed as backing vocals for TV dramas.
The Glee Club was founded in 1907, and is said to have been the first group to sing the Waseda University Alma Mater. The Wagner Society's "Wagner'' is named after the German composer Richard Wagner.
Okada: I am the secretary general of Waseda University's painting society. Each member of the club freely creates oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, and digital works. The biggest feature is that we manage everything from planning to exhibitions ourselves, from solo exhibitions to joint exhibitions with other universities. Many of our club members are calm and work at their own pace, and we also have international students.
Aoi: I am the representative of Keio University's Palette Club. The Palette Club is the second oldest student club at the university, founded in 1899. I have an atelier in a detached house in Hiyoshi, Kanagawa Prefecture, and all members of the team can visit whenever they like and create the pieces they want. We also hold exhibitions like art clubs and actively interact with other universities.
Okada (left) and Aoi (right) have been in contact with each other on a regular basis and are already good friends. They hold exhibitions almost every month and often engage in joint activities.
--What kind of interaction do you each have on a regular basis? Also, please tell us the image you have of each other.
Aoi: The Palette Club and the Painting Society also work together at the joint Waseda-Keio exhibition and the Four Beauty Exhibition held at four universities (Waseda University, Keio University, University of Tokyo, and Tokyo Women's University). In collaborative projects, we sometimes create works together. At the Waseda-Keio exhibition held in March 2023, we held a "coloring exchange project'' where participants exchanged each other's line drawings and colored them. It was refreshing and interesting to see a painting by someone I knew turned into a new work by someone else.
Okada: I often become friends with people through exhibitions. Occasionally, we go to each other's studios or club rooms to eat meals together or hold seminars. Palette Club's bold style is impressive, and it has a gorgeous and bright image.
Aoi: I get the impression that the art club is very enthusiastic about holding exhibitions, and I am always amazed by their creative planning ability. For example, there are a number of things Palette Club has started that were actually inspired by the painting club, such as workshops between club members and seminars given by alumni. We are like friends who can help each other improve. How about you two in the choir?
Photo left: Waseda-Keio Exhibition 2023
Photo right: Members of the painting club coloring in a coloring project
Aoki: We also have a lot of opportunities to meet each other, such as for six series, four series, and commissioned concerts. We also hold a joint concert called the Waseda-Keio Exchange Concert every other year. There is always a joint chorus at the end, and we sing together on the same stage. Even during those joint practices, there is some interaction.
Yasukawa: Yes, communication occurs naturally. We sometimes go to each other's regular concerts, and I feel that the glee club really enjoys singing together. There are scenes where we sing in a musical style, and I think that we are able to incorporate a college student feel into the chorus, which is something we don't have.
Photo left: During a performance trip to Gifu. The white jacket is Glee Club, and the gray jacket is Wagner Society.
Photo right: At the ``Waseda-Keio Suwa Male Chorus Joint Concert,'' they performed "Ride the Chariot'' (black spiritual), "Look Up at the Stars of the Night'' (lyrics by Rokusuke Ei, music by Taku Izumi), etc. played
Aoki: My image of Wagner is that of an elite group of people who take music seriously. Every year, they select songs in foreign languages that have difficult pronunciations, and they improve their tones every year, and I think they are receiving the teacher's guidance well. Glee club doesn't have a leader and is run solely by students, so I feel like that's different. But I still think of Wagner as a rival.
Yasukawa: So are we. When I go to Rokuren, the first thing I notice is the Glee Club's performance. I'm curious to see how it turned out this year.
Okada: It's a different relationship than ours.
Both friends and rivals. A reassuring presence that sometimes supports each other
――What impressed you during your interactions with them, or what did you think was good?
Okada: During the coronavirus pandemic, it was very reassuring to be able to exchange information about student club 's operations, such as asking, "How are new members and training camps going?" Also, Palette Club always comes to our exhibitions, so I think they value our connections.
Aoi: Actually, Waseda-Keio exhibitions have been held for quite some time. I am also very inspired by the titles of exhibitions held by the Painting Association. It is thanks to these exchanges that I am able to start new initiatives.
Okada: Because of this connection, we are able to see ourselves objectively. I feel that when we discover what's good about Palette Club, we can also see our own strengths, and each member's sense of belonging increases. In painting student club, only individuals create works. Therefore, I am happy that it provides an opportunity for the entire club to come together.
Photo left: Palette Club's atelier, where large art supplies can be placed. Aoki and Yasukawa couldn't help but exclaim, ``I'm jealous!'' Members of the painting club also visit and sometimes work together.
Photo right: In addition to exhibiting at Waseda Festival, the painting society also holds live painting (scenes from "Waseda Festival 2022")
Aoki: Every year when Glee Club welcomes new members, I wonder how many new members Wagner has gathered. However, we don't ask about it publicly, but someone from the club gets the information, and we do our best to promote new members so that we don't lose out to them (lol).
Yasukawa: That's certainly true (lol). It's like a search under the surface. However, it is also used as an advertising pitch to communicate with the glee club during new arrivals. We have a rivalry with Waseda's choir, and we can even perform together. I am grateful to be able to say this.
Aoki: To be honest, practice is often difficult. But with a rival like Wagner, we can still hold out. I think it's extremely valuable to have someone like that.
A jumper mainly worn during new arrivals. Apparently, Wagner's hoodie is also worn as everyday wear.
--Finally, please let us know if there is anything you would like to try in the future as we continue to communicate with each other.
Okada: I would like to have more opportunities to co-produce works and hold seminars. Also, in past Waseda-Keio exhibitions, visitors were sometimes asked to vote on which exhibit they liked best. I think it would be interesting to do a project like that for the first time in a while.
Aoi: Until now, I don't think we've had many opportunities to appreciate art together other than each other's works. From now on, I would like to go to museums, hold joint Waseda-Keio workshops, and hold joint viewing sessions of works.
Okada: Understood. Let's do it!
Aoi: I'm looking forward to it. I look forward to working with you.
They got along well from beginning to end, and the depth of their interactions was evident. Okada and Aoi holding posters for the Waseda-Keio and Shibi exhibitions.
Yasukawa: Actually, I'm a little interested, but I'd like to see the Glee Club practicing. Unlike us, the students are in charge of the practice, so I'm curious about how they perfect the tones.
Aoki: I never thought of showing each other's practice scenes! It sure looks interesting. Personally, I think it would be a good idea to cooperate on a more extensive scale in new-welfare activities. In recent years, the male chorus industry has been shrinking, and I feel frustrated by this. I also feel that Waseda and Keio are the two giants that are leading the male chorus world, so I hope we can work together to make it more exciting.
Although they were called rivals, Aoki and Yasukawa shook hands and headed to Waseda University Student Center together after the interview. Bringing pamphlets of each other's regular concerts
[Public information on student club that appeared this time]
Waseda University Glee Club
X (old Twitter): @waseda_glee
Website: http://www.wasedaglee.com/
Wagner Society Male Choir
X (old Twitter): @keio_wagner_mc
Website: https://www.wagner-society.org/
Painting session
X (old Twitter): @kaigakai
Palette Club, a comprehensive art organization
Website: https://paletteclub.framer.website/
Interview and text: Akari Ueda
Photography: Shiori Bansho
Cooperation: Keio University Student Affairs Division
What Waseda-Keio feels like to Faculty who were involved in the establishment of Waseda Mita-kai?
Professor Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Advanced Science and Engineering Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Doctor of Engineering (Keio University)
Professor Takeda (Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor), who graduated from Keio University and currently teaches at Waseda University. In the same way, there are many Keio graduates of Faculty at Waseda University. We asked Professor Takeda, who was involved in the establishment of the Mita Association, a group of Keio alumni in Waseda, about the students at Waseda and Keio, and about the background to the establishment of the Waseda Mita Association.
Kyozaburo Takeda Professor Faculty of Science and Engineering
The charms of Waseda and Keio that seem contradictory yet similar
After graduating from Keio Shiki High School and Keio University, I entered Keio University's graduate school, and in 1995, I joined Waseda University's School of Science and Engineering.
When I was a student, Waseda stood out from the surrounding universities. This is because, from my experience at Keio, I felt that Waseda had a strength that overwhelmed other universities. When I was a student, I belonged to the engineering department's boat club, but before I graduated, at the Waseda-Keio regatta, I was completely defeated by the Waseda University science and technology crew. Waseda won consecutive rugby matches against Waseda and Keio until he took up his post in 1995. Waseda's academic and physical abilities were high, and it was popular. Although I was disappointed, I had never thought of Waseda as a rival, and I never thought I would end up working at Waseda.
The second person from the left is Mr. Takeda (from the brochure of the 46th Waseda-Keio Regatta, Faculty of Engineering, Boat Club, on the right)
This year marks my 29th year as Faculty at Waseda University. To be honest, having spent time at both universities, I haven't noticed any major differences between Waseda and Keio. Although there are differences in the founding spirit of each school, there is no difference in the spirit of the private school and the students who study there.If there is one thing they have in common, it is that they are full of serious and motivated students. I think this is because we provide an environment where students can find something they are passionate about at university and devote themselves fully to it. I run a research lab in School of Advanced Science and Engineering, and it's very stimulating to see people who are interested in the same field come together and work hard on their studies. We have many discussions and students and Faculty work together on research every day. This can be said not only in my laboratory, but in all organizations at Waseda-Keio. After graduation, I believe that many Waseda-Keio students go on to play an active role on the front lines of society, supporting the backbone of Japan.
Waseda-Keio roll screen banners
I think it is unique to Waseda-Keio that the connections between alumni are strong regardless of their vertical or horizontal orientation. Keio University's alumni association, the "Mita-kai,'' has particularly strong connections, and there is even a "Space Mita-kai'' made up of alumni who work in space-related fields both in Japan and abroad. Despite this, Waseda University was the only university that did not have a Mita-kai. Therefore, in 2001, the Waseda Mita-kai was established. The names of two contrasting universities are lined up, so it's very interesting in terms of naming. Currently, about 20 people are participating, and a meeting is held once a year. All members are graduates of Keio University, but since this is a gathering of Waseda faculty and staff, most of what we talk about is about Waseda (lol).
Compared to Keio, the activities of Tomonkai seem a little different from those of Mita-kai, perhaps because Waseda is more individually active. However, looking at the activities of past alumni, I feel that the feeling for their alma mater is as strong at Waseda as it is at Keio.
Interview and text: Miki Muto
Check out the Waseda-Keio games, Waseda-Keio collaboration at the library and Career Center!
Various Waseda-Keio games are held throughout the year by various athletic departments. Please check it out and support us! Additionally, Waseda University and Keio University collaborate in a variety of fields including education, research, culture, and sports. This time, we will introduce the efforts of the library and Career Center.
Waseda-Keio game
Many Waseda-Keio games held by various athletic departments have been held since autumn.
Baseball Club October 28th (Sat), 29th (Sun), 2023
Hockey Club November 23, 2023 (Holiday/Thursday)
Judo Club Saturday, November 25, 2023
For other details, please check the website below.
Waseda-Keio match (Athletic Center)
library
Waseda University Library and Keio University Media Center (Library) signed a mutual library cooperation agreement in 1986 to facilitate the use of libraries (Library use by partner universities and partner institutions - Keio University Library). In 2019, we began joint operation of the library system. Researchers and students affiliated with both universities can simultaneously search approximately 11.18 million Waseda-Keio materials. In addition, through the project of the Waseda-Keio Japanese Books Digitization Promotion Consortium, which was launched in 2021, more than 1,200 e-books are being offered for a limited time only at Waseda-Keio and Keio (until March 31, 2024).
* Click here for limited time content.
Career Center
At Career Center, the "Waseda-Keio Joint Doctoral Career Design Conference 2023" will be sponsored by the Waseda University Career Center, co-sponsored by the Career Support Office, Student Affairs Division, School of Science and Engineering and Technology, Keio University, Waseda Open Innovation Ecosystem Challenging Research Program (W-SPRING), and Future This event will be held under the auspices of Keio-SPRING (Development of Ph.D. Human Resources Who Create the Grand Design of Society).
*Advance registration is required for the event. Click here to apply.
Waseda-Keio Joint Doctoral Career Design Conference (2022 Event Report)
[Next Focus Preview] “Cult Special” to be released on Monday, October 23rd
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