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Waseda University Archives
Keita Kinoshita

A flyer for a theatrical production sent by
Takata to his wife

Waseda University began accepting Chinese students from 1899. As more students came to Japan during the height of the Russo-Japanese War, Waseda University Dean Sanae Takata established a secondary education department for these students. To learn about education in China, Takata, along with Chinese Studies instructor Atsutsune Aoyagi, traveled to Shanghai in March 1905.

Takata and Aoyagi traveled around the region speaking with important figures such as Zhang Zhidong in the Wuchang District and Yuan Shikai in Tianjin. Zhidong expressed concerns that “if we send students to Japan, they may adopt some dangerous beliefs.” Shikai burst into laughter when he heard Zhidong’s comment and stated, “I want all of my pupils to see Japan.” Takata was astonished by the grandeur of China’s historical and cultural sites and wrote about his impressions to his wife. Meanwhile, in relation to the exam for government officials (largely based on readings of Confucian classics), Takata said, “I feel the direction of education policy is greatly affected by fluctuating trends taking place within the country.”

Upon returning from their three-month trip, Takata appointed Aoyagi the head of school affairs and developed school principles and organizations. Aoyagi was eager to hear the opinions of Qing students and often visited their lodgings. During a time when there was not yet a school of science and engineering, Takata introduced physics courses and a laboratory.

“Kosekicho” to commemorate students graduating from the School for Chinese Students

In September 1905, the School for Chinese Students was established, with a three-year curriculum including preparatory course work. Post-graduate courses were also available. The school consistently enrolled between 1,000 and 1,500 students.

Qing royalty and government officials visited Aoyagi when Waseda University later established the present day School of Science and Engineering. Those involved stated that this occasion came about thanks to the creation of the School for Chinese Students.