京都市立塔南高等学校

Kyoto Municipal Tounan High School. A name that echoes with a rich history, now silent. Established in 1963, near the eastern Higashiyama Gojūnotō pagoda, the school’s name, “Tounan,” literally translates to “south of the pagoda.” Kyoto Municipal Tounan High School’s emblem, a bold triangle, symbolizes the pagoda’s majestic form. This unique emblem, designed by the second graduating class’s own Mitsuichi Hidekazu, captured the school’s spirit. Imagine the students, clad in their distinctive blue blazer uniforms, a splash of youthful energy against the backdrop of ancient Kyoto. Kyoto Municipal Tounan High School offered two distinct academic paths: the General Course and the Mirai (Future) Education Course. The General Course further divided into special and regular programs, catering to diverse aspirations. The special program prepared students for the rigors of prestigious universities. Meanwhile, the regular program equipped students for a range of career paths, with elective subjects. The Mirai Education Course, established in 2007, focused on nurturing future educators. This specialized program provided a unique blend of rigorous academics and practical training, preparing students for careers in education. Kyoto Municipal Tounan High School thrived for six decades, witnessing countless graduations and shaping young minds. But in 2023, the school closed its doors, merging with Rakuyo Technical High School to become Kyoto Municipal Kaiyoken High School. The echoes of laughter and learning now reside in the memories of its alumni. The triangular emblem, once a symbol of the school’s identity, now serves as a poignant reminder of a chapter closed. Kyoto Municipal Tounan High School’s legacy, however, continues. It lives on in the achievements of its graduates, who carry the spirit of “Tounan” with them, south of the pagoda, into the future.