Gakushuin Primary School

Hidden behind these walls, Gakushuin Primary School whispers tales of emperors and princes. Gakushuin Primary School wasn’t always the prestigious institution it is today. It began in Kyoto in 1847, founded by Emperor Ninkō as a school for noble children. Known then as the Peers’ School, it moved to Tokyo in 1877 during the Meiji Restoration. Gakushuin Primary School became the chosen school for young Prince Akihito, future Emperor, around 1940. He wore the school’s cadet-style uniform. He studied here during the tumultuous years of World War II, a time when Tokyo faced relentless bombing raids. Even as the city burned, Emperor Hirohito refused to leave the Imperial Palace. He wanted to share the hardships of his people. While the Palace itself was spared, much of Tokyo was devastated. The fate of Gakushuin Primary School during those fiery days remains uncertain. For safety, young Akihito and his brother, Prince Hitachi, were evacuated to Nikko in late 1944. They returned after Japan’s surrender, when the American occupation began to reshape Japanese society. The Gakushuin Primary School that awaited them was changing too. It opened its doors to commoners, reflecting the democratization of Japan. Prince Akihito continued his education at Gakushuin, witnessing firsthand this period of transformation. Gakushuin Primary School today stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of learning. It bridges the gap between imperial tradition and modern education.