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Professor Masayuki Manabe
Faculty of Letters Arts and Sciences

Many students are undoubtedly drawn to the unique characteristics and traditions of Waseda University. However, in 1882 when Waseda’s predecessor Tokyo College opened its doors, there were no such “characteristics” or “traditions.” It is from the first students of Tokyo College where these traditions and characteristics originate.

The first students of Waseda with their teachers (Courtesy of the Theater Museum)

Upon first glance, the image above appears to be a picture of students. The truth is, the 3 individuals from the right in the front row are teachers Shoyo Tsubochi, Tameyuki Amano, and Sanae Takada. The others in the image are all students who enrolled in the first year of the university’s establishment. The teachers of that time were recent graduates of Tokyo University in their early 20s. Many students of that time generally worked for a couple of years after completing grade school and before enrolling at Tokyo College. Therefore, students were close in age to their teachers and in some instances older. Students were not necessarily of high academic standing but developed sibling-esque relationships with their teachers. As a result, teachers did not rule over their students and respected their independence, allowing them to engage in activities outside of academics. The college, established by political figure Shigenobu Okuma who had a history of butting heads with the government, attracted students with strong individual character. There were students who devoted themselves solely to their studies, those who sought to become heroes through sumo wrestling and kendo (Japanese fencing), those who engaged in political activities and were arrested (see image below), and others who became obsessed with alcohol and the opposite sex. With such a diverse group of individuals, it is natural that disputes and quarrels were an everyday occurrence.

This image depicts students being arrested for distributing pamphlets criticizing the government

Because the environment was unregulated, students were able to find their calling and learn earnestly. Today’s various circle activities that represent the diversity and freedom of Waseda exist thanks to the influence of these early students. For those who wish to know more, I encourage you to refer to my research on Waseda’s predecessor, Tokyo College.