“Art and technology should be fused.” That was the guiding principle here at the \u6771\u4eac\u9ad8\u7b49\u5de5\u85dd\u5b78\u6821\u5275\u8a2d\u306e\u5730.
The \u6771\u4eac\u9ad8\u7b49\u5de5\u85dd\u5b78\u6821\u5275\u8a2d\u306e\u5730 marks the spot where the Tokyo Higher Industrial School was founded in December 1921. This institution aimed to cultivate advanced technical education. It sought to create industrial products that were both beautiful and functional.
The school’s establishment was driven by professors Tatsukuro Matsuoka and Yasuhiro Yasuda. They wanted to promote higher education in technology. The initial curriculum included seven departments. These were craft design, craft carving, metalworking, precision machinery woodworking printing and photography. These departments formed the foundation for today’s industrial design concepts.
Interestingly the location in Shibaura was chosen to closely link the school with Tokyo Port. It allowed students to experience the latest in industrial arts. Exhibits in Ginza further exposed them to “utility and beauty”. Even student uniforms reflected this modern approach. They featured neckties and felt hats instilling a sense of sophisticated awareness.
However the school faced significant challenges. In March 1944 it was renamed the Tokyo Industrial College. Then in May 1945 wartime air raids destroyed the campus. This forced a relocation to Matsudo City in Chiba Prefecture.
In 1949 the school system was reformed. It became the Faculty of Engineering at Chiba University. Two years later it was reorganized as the Faculty of Engineering. In 1964 it moved to Chiba City.
Despite these changes the spirit of “utility and beauty” persisted. It continues to be passed down. The monument you see here commemorates the Tokyo Higher Industrial School. It stands as a testament to its legacy as a birthplace of industrial arts education.
The monument features a motif resembling a holy flame with feathers. This emblem incorporates a hammer and a pen. It symbolizes the school’s motto. It represents a commitment to both craftsmanship and intellectual pursuits.
In December 2001 alumni erected this monument. It marked the 80th anniversary of the school’s founding. They then donated it to the Tokyo Institute of Technology. This place is more than just a historical marker. It’s a reminder of the enduring connection between art technology and progress.