News

Waseda University Archives
Keita Kinoshita

Waseda’s prewar Senior High School II
located in present day Building 14

Very few people remember the prewar Waseda University High School. The truth is, today’s Waseda University Senior High School and Honjo Senior High School are completely different from those that existed in prewar Japan.

In prewar Japan, those who wore Waseda’s cap were the envy of many young adults. At that time, Waseda University was separated into two departments. One included the specialty school, technical school, and instructor training school, and the other consisted of a school for foreign language research established in 1918.

Prior to the university ordinance of 1918, the only legally recognized university in Japan was Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo). The 1918 ordinance recognized private institutions as legally recognized universities during a time when there were only twelve senior high schools. Generally, all students that graduated from these high schools were admitted to Imperial University and exempt from entrance examinations. Following the new ordinance, these high schools were required to incorporate university preparatory courses. They were designated as “Senior High Schools” where students would take preparatory courses for particular academies. Those who completed the courses were admitted to the academy, and exempt from entrance examinations. Over half of Waseda University students in prewar Japan completed these preparatory courses.

For young adults who dreamed of studying at Waseda University, entering the Senior High School was the first step. This is much different from the present day entrance system where students apply for specific academic apartments and are then admitted to the University.

Waseda’s prewar Senior High School located on Toyama Campus