Ever wondered where Japan’s brightest minds once gathered? This is the Gakushi Kaikan. It stands before us now a tangible piece of history.
The Gakushi Kaikan opened in 1928. Its name means “scholars’ meeting building”. It was created as a place for academics to meet. These scholars came from seven prestigious universities. They were from the University of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Kyushu, Tohoku and Hokkaido Universities.
Imagine scholars traveling from all over Japan. They needed a place to stay. The Gakushi Kaikan provided that. It had an attached hotel. In the beginning only alumni could stay there.
The Gakushi Kaikan is now a registered Tangible Cultural Property. The Japanese government recognizes its historical significance. Anyone can stay there now. It is no longer restricted to alumni only.
The Gakushi Kaikan has a distinct style. It is not Art Deco. It has a weighty yet understated elegance. This aesthetic was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Japan was modernizing architecturally then. It adopted influences from abroad.
The design concept was to create a home for scholars. It was meant to be a place they could return to after graduation. The result is a posh relaxedness.
The Gakushi Kaikan also has a darker history. It once served as the headquarters for the Tokyo Police Headquarters. After the war it housed allied forces and generals.
The architect Teitaro Takahashi designed the building. He also designed Nihonbashi Takashimaya and the Imperial Hotel’s new pavilion. The Gakushi Kaikan has a unique design. It features a half-spherical arch entrance. Its windows have different shapes.
The Gakushi Kaikan is more than just a building. It’s a place of connection and memories. It is a place where friendships were forged.
Gakushikai was first held on April 18 1886. It was a thank you party for Hiroyuki Kato. He was the first president of the University of Tokyo. Five people wanted to continue their friendship. That is how the history of Gakushikai began.
Gakushikai is the oldest and biggest university alumni organization in Japan. It has more than 50000 members. These members are graduates and teachers. They come from the seven national universities.
The Gakushi Kaikan has restaurants, a banquet hall, a hotel and a bridal hall. It is also known as the birthplace of Japanese baseball.
You can access the Gakushi Kaikan easily. It is a one-minute walk from Jimbocho subway station. Take exit A9 on the Mita, Shinjuku, or Hanzomon Lines.
Sadly the Gakushi Kaikan is nearing its end. Renovations are needed. They are judged infeasible. An upcoming development project is also a factor. The decision has been made to close the building. The hotel will close permanently too.
The Gakushi Kaikan stands as a testament to history. It is a reminder of intellectual pursuits and camaraderie. It is a unique and special place in Tokyo.