Curious to know where officials of the Tokugawa era once trained? That’s Yushima Seido. It is a Confucian temple in Tokyo. This sacred hall is a testament to Chinese culture’s influence on Japan.
Yushima Seido dates back to the Edo period. It was established in the late 17th century. Tokugawa Yoshinao got permission to build an academy in 1632. It was for studying Confucianism. Hayashi Razan built the first structure. It was called Sensei-den.
In 1691 Tokugawa Tsunayoshi moved the building. It became the Taiseiden of Yushima Seido. The Hayashi school moved too. Neo-Confucianism became Japan’s official philosophy. In 1797 the school became state-sponsored. It was the most important school in the country. It was known as Shohei-zaka Gakumonjo or Shoheiko. The rector of Shoheiko headed the educational system in Edo.
The academy was larger than the temple’s current grounds. Lectures and ceremonies were held here. They took place in spring and autumn.
After the Meiji Restoration in 1871 Neo-Confucianism lost favor. The academy closed. However, it was a precursor to the University of Tokyo.
In 1872 Japan’s first teachers college was built here. Part of the grounds became Japan’s first museum. It later moved to Ueno as the Tokyo National Museum. The country’s first library was also built here. In 1922 the grounds became a National Historic Site. The Edo period structures were destroyed in the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake. Ito Chuta designed the current Yushima Seido building. It was completed in 1935.
The school had three types of students. There were direct trainees. They were called Keikonin. There were resident trainees called Shosei. Free listeners were called Chomonjin. Keikonin came from hatamoto and gokenin families. Shosei were scholarship students from all over the country. They created a strong alumni network. This network was key during the Meiji restoration.
Enrollment needed an introduction and an interview. Courses focused on Confucian teachings. Students studied Chinese texts. They extensively studied the Four Books and Five Classics. Open courses were available to the public every day.
Various exams were held here. The Sodokuginmi evaluated younger trainees. The Gakumonginmi was a prestigious scholar examination. It was only held 19 times.
The original Taiseiden was vermilion with verdigris. After fires it was rebuilt in 1799. It was modeled after Mito’s Confucian temple. Black paint was used. This building survived until 1923. The current Taiseiden is reinforced concrete.
Since the Meiji Restoration Yushima Seido has shared its space. It has hosted the Ministry of Education and the Tokyo National Museum. It also housed forerunners of Tsukuba University and Ochanomizu University.
Inside is the world’s largest Confucius statue. It was donated in 1975 by Taipei’s Lions Club. There are also statues of the Four Sages.
Along with Yushima Tenmangu, Yushima Seido attracts praying students. They hope for success in their exams.
Yushima Seido is a peaceful place. It is a short walk from Ochanomizu Station. It is also near Akihabara. Confucianism stresses improvement through effort.
Yushima Seido stresses Chinese culture’s importance in Japanese life. The temple is a green escape from the city. It reminds us of the deep connections between history and culture. Take a moment to appreciate the history within these walls.