東京都立 大塚ろう学校

Can a single “ro” character hold the weight of history? Here at the Tokyo Metropolitan Otsuka School, it does. Look closely at the school’s emblem. Six ginkgo leaves frame a central “ro” character. This “ro” represents both “rou” (ろう) from “rougakkou” (school for the deaf) and “rou” (ロウ) from “kouwa hou” (oral method). The Tokyo Metropolitan Otsuka School has a rich history, intertwined with the evolution of special education in Japan. It began in 1925 as special needs classes within two elementary schools: Hibiya Island Elementary and Mannen Island Elementary (later renamed Ueno Island Elementary). These classes merged in 1927, officially becoming Tokyo Municipal Rou Gakkou. The school adopted its present name, Tokyo Metropolitan Otsuka School, in 1949. The school initially included lower secondary and upper secondary departments. However, these were phased out in 1962 and 2006 respectively. Today, Tokyo Metropolitan Otsuka School serves kindergarten and elementary-aged children. The school’s original building was tragically destroyed in the Great Tokyo Air Raid of 1945. The current structure we stand before was completed in 1949, marking a new chapter in the school’s history. In 2006, a major reorganization occurred. The school absorbed several other special needs schools, transforming them into satellite campuses. These include the Joto Satellite Classroom, the Eifuku Satellite Classroom, and the Jonan Satellite Classroom. This expansion allowed the school to reach and support more children with special needs across Tokyo. Tokyo Metropolitan Otsuka School isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a testament to the dedication of educators. It embodies the resilience of its students. It is a beacon of hope for inclusive education in Japan.