Keio University
Private research university founded in 1858 in Tokyo.
Keio University is a private research university located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1858 as a school for Western studies (Rangaku Juku) by Fukuzawa Yukichi, it was granted university status in 1920, becoming one of the first private universities in the country. It is a member of RU11, APRU, and the World Economic Forum's Global University Leaders Forum, alongside the University of Tokyo.
Quick Facts
- Motto
- ja · ペンは剣よりも強し / la · Calamus Gladio Fortior
- Motto Eng
- 'The pen is mightier than the sword'
- Established
- 23 April 1858
- Founders
- Fukuzawa Yukichi
- President
- Kohei Itoh
- City
- Minato
- State
- Tokyo
- Country
- Japan
- Faculty
- 2,791 full-time (As of May 1, 2022)
- Administrative Staff
- 3,252 full-time (As of May 1, 2022)
- Campus
- Urban
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Keio University traces its origins to 1858, when Fukuzawa Yukichi began teaching Dutch as Rangaku Juku. In 1868, the school was renamed Keio Gijuku, taking its name from the era name 'Keio' and 'Gijuku' meaning private school. It moved to its current location in 1871, established a medical school in 1873, and created its first university faculty in 1890. The university began accepting female students in 1946.
Reader's Guide
Keio University holds significance as one of Japan's earliest private institutions of higher learning, transitioning from a school of Western studies to a full university in 1920. It has hosted notable visitors including physicist Albert Einstein in 1922 and Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore in 1916. The university maintains a strong rivalry with Waseda University, particularly in baseball and other sports. Keio ranks highly in various academic and business metrics, including second in Japan for alumni holding CEO positions in Fortune Global 500 companies. Its law school has achieved top bar exam passage rates, and its business school is Japan's first. The university has also faced scandals involving student misconduct and administrative controversies, including sexual assault cases and alcohol-related deaths.
Did You Know?
- Keio University was founded in 1858 as Rangaku Juku, later renamed Keio Gijuku in 1868.
- In 1899, Keio sent six students abroad and accepted three international students from India, Qing-dynasty China, and Siam.
- Keio's baseball team lost to the University of Michigan in a 1932 exhibition game.
- In 2021, China provided the most international students at Keio with 1,016.
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