From abacus champions to software developers, the story of Kyoto Meitoku High School is a fascinating journey. It reflects the evolving spirit of Kyoto itself. We stand before a school steeped in tradition, yet constantly adapting to the modern world. Kyoto Meitoku High School began its life in the Meiji era. In 1907, the “Kyoto Private Children’s School” emerged, laying the foundation for what was to come. Just a year later, in 1908, the “Kyoto Private Jikoji Kindergarten” followed. This catered to children unable to attend regular schools due to family circumstances. It shows the school’s early commitment to inclusive education. In 1911, the “Incorporated Meitoku Kindergarten” was formally established.
By 1916, the focus shifted. The earlier schools were replaced by a new “Seiren School” within the Meitoku Kindergarten’s educational department. This marked a step towards formal education. In 1921, a significant milestone was reached. Commemorating the 700th anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s birth, Meitoku Girls’ School was founded. This marked the beginning of Meitoku’s legacy in girls’ education. The school received recognition in 1924. It was approved to establish the “Meitoku Higher Girls’ School,” with its sewing department becoming the “Meitoku Sewing Girls’ School.”
The Showa era brought further evolution. In 1928, the Meitoku Sewing Girls’ School added a separate department. The “Hikariyama Kodomo Kai,” previously under the Honzan’s management, was transferred to Meitoku Kindergarten. A supplementary course was introduced to the Meitoku Higher Girls’ School in 1933, targeting graduating students. By 1941, the school’s curriculum expanded. The course duration for Meitoku Higher Girls’ School was extended from four to five years. Post-war reforms led to the establishment of “Meitoku Girls’ Junior High School” in 1947 and “Meitoku Girls’ High School” in 1948. The year 1949 saw the closure of the “Meitoku Higher Girls’ School.” In 1950, Meitoku expanded its offerings with the “Meitoku Ocean Dressmaking Academy” and “Meitoku Night High School” with commercial and religious departments.
The school continued to adapt. Meitoku Girls’ High School transitioned to Meitoku Girls’ Commercial High School in 1952. Then, in 1954, it became “Meitoku Commercial High School,” adopting a full-day system for the girls’ commercial department and establishing a part-time system for both commercial and religious departments, open to both genders. A night typing classroom was also introduced. Meitoku Girls’ Junior High School closed its doors in 1956. Kyoto Meitoku High School reached its peak enrollment in 1965 with 3,300 students.
Further changes came in 1973 when the part-time system at Meitoku Commercial High School was abolished. In 1979, Meitoku Kindergarten main branch was established to manage the school’s legal entity. In 1986, “Kyoto Seisho High School” opened, admitting boys to its general course. The Heisei era brought co-education. In 1997, Meitoku Commercial High School was renamed Kyoto Meitoku High School and added a general course. Co-education was fully embraced in 2000. Kyoto Meitoku High School stands today as a testament to its adaptable spirit. It carries a rich history of educating generations of students, while embracing change and paving the way for the future.