Join the new world

(The Main Gates of Gakushuin in Late Spring)





こんにちは！
Salutations, Newly Admitted Students of Gakushuin University!

Today is a day of great honor for you and your families. Today is the day you have been admitted to the most honorable establishment of education ever to grace the emperors divine land, Gakushuin University. You are the future leaders of eJapan, and it is the honor of Gakushuin to provide you with the education necessary to represent our historic eNation with both grace and dignity.

Gakushin will be your source for learning all things Japanese! Topics ranging from contemporary issues in Japan, to historic traditions and customs. At Gakushuin, we understand that the best leaders of eJapan, whether of politics, military, or industry, are well versed in Japanese society and customs.

As a student of Gakushin, you are a member of the Kazoku, a testament to the noble potential in your very blood! As such, Gakushin will not be a forum for the politics of modern day eJapan. Our focus will be on enlightening all eJapanese, and your focus should be on flourishing your knowledge of, and appreciation for, Japan.


Your very first lesson here at Gakushūin is this:



1. Walk in the paths trodden by the feet of the great sages.
2. Revere the righteous canons of the empire.
3. He that has not learned the sacred doctrines, how can he govern himself?
4. He that is ignorant of the classics, how can he regulate his own conduct?



These are the four maxims inscribed on the walls of the Gakushūin building by Emperor Ninko. These are the ethos you should model your study after.




History of Gakushūin



The school was founded in Kyoto by Emperor Ninko in 1847 and was originally called “Gakushusho,” which in English literally means “Place to study.” However, in April 1849, Gakushuin became the official name after Emperor Kōmei granted the imperial plaque “Gakushuin.” The school was based off of similar institutions catering to the peerage of European nobility. Brought about during the Meiji era, the move was geared toward modernizing Japan and ensuring its youth would be able to lead Japan in the rapidly changing world.

After Gakushuin stopped giving lectures in March 1868, the old Gakushuin in Kyoto was closed in July 1870 after several name changes and restructuring.
On October 17, 1877, the Peers’ School held its opening ceremony in Kanda Nishiki-chō. Emperor Meiji granted the school name “Gakushuin” and again gave the imperial plaque: “Gakushuin.” Gakushuin recognizes this day as the anniversary of the school’s establishment.

The school’s status was made official in 1884 when the school officially became an Imperial Institution. This was the official status of the school until nobility was outlawed in 1947. The Japanese constitution was revised under the influence of the United States, alterations were made that would result in Japan’s constitution closer resembling that of the U.S.’s. (It would be illegal for the United States government to establish or recognize any form of American nobility, and this now reflects in Japan)

From the early 1900’s until the end of World War II, the school’s policies began to reflect that of the more militaristic society that Japan had become. In most cases, graduates from the Gakushuin High School went on to the Imperial Universities or other state universities. Approximately one third of these graduates entered Tokyo Imperial University.

“In the 1935-1944 period, the wartime regime exerted a strong influence over Gakushuin’s education as well as student life, and male students at the Middle School and upwards were required to take part in military drills and labour services. The Girls’ School also engaged in volunteer labour services and started classes on how to use naginata or long-handled swords.”

The school was also directly affected by the war, “Most of the wooden buildings on the Mejiro campus were destroyed by an air raid on April 13 1945, while on May 25 the Girls’ School in Aoyama was burned to the ground.”

In 1947 the school became a private institution and affiliated with the Gakushūin School Corporation. Today, the school continues to educate the Imperial family and children of the influential and holds a high position of honor within Japan.


That’s Cool…..buuuut…..How Does it Work?



“to provide an integrated program of education that, from kindergarten through to university, cultivates individuals of noble character and steadfast judgement; individuals who, possessed of thoughtfulness and deep awareness, are ideally equipped to contribute to the modern world.”

Many students admitted to the school start in kindergarten and continue through college. From kindergarten students attend the primary school, and divided by gender thereafter until university. More similar to European education systems, education in Jr. High and Senior High schools are more career orientated. But I know very little of European education, however I know the Italians have a system like this. 😛

Today's special points go to anyone who can help me understand the European education system! 😃



Even today, despite nobility being limited to those only of direct relation to the Eperor, many children of past nobility fill the halls of Gakushūin. Upon graduation, many of these students occupy very lucrative positions in politics and industry, one could make the argument Gakushūin has helped establish a nobility by wealth, seen in other western cultures.




Fun Facts!


• 29 members of the Imperial Family have attended Gakushūin, including Her Imperial Highness, Princess Aiko (The Princess Toshi) who currently attends.

• 9 of the 17 presidents of the school, before the 1947 privatization, held the rank of General or Admiral, in service to the emperor.

• Gakushuin University had 7.58 applicants per place (13,765/1,815) in the 2011 undergraduate admissions.




Want to Know More About Japan?

Japanese Language:
How To Learn Japanese!

Education in Japan:
Gakushūin (Peers’ School)

Aspects of Contemporary Japanese Society:
やきゅう!!!! (Yakyū)

Life in Japan series [Part One] - William of Edenbury's Series on...well, life in Japan!

Coming Soon!

Tsunami Preparedness - Addressing the tragedy in 2011 and the threat that millions of Japanese live with daily!

Shinzo Abe – Prime Minister of Japan and President of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Collective Self-Defense – Amending the pacifistic constitution to grant the Japanese Self-Defense Force the authority to help its allies in their defense. (To help America/South Korea in the event of an invasion from the north, among other reasons)



Peace, Love, and Understanding!
(No bonus for this article!)







読んでくれてありがとう！
よろしく、
大国主、アリジン