Imagine living in a place where rent is only 2500 yen a month. That’s the reality for residents of Kyoto University’s Yoshida-ryo dormitory. This historic dormitory is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a living piece of Kyoto University’s history.
Yoshida-ryo dormitory first opened its doors in 1913. However, parts of the building date back to the 1880s. It started as a boarding house for secondary school students. The architecture reflects both Meiji and Taisho era designs. These eras spanned from 1868 to 1926. The Japanese Institute of Architectural History even applied to have Yoshida Ryo designated as a heritage site.
Inside Yoshida-ryo dormitory, you will find about 120 Japanese-style rooms. These rooms feature tatami floors. A new building was added in 2015 with 60 more rooms. These also have tatami floors. The dormitory has shared bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms and kitchens. Residents can borrow a lot of furniture and equipment. It’s recommended to check what’s available before buying your own.
The monthly rent is incredibly low. It costs 400 yen to keep a room. Public utility charges are 1600 yen. The residents committee association fee is 500 yen. In total, it comes to 2500 yen per month.
Back when Kyoto University was an imperial institution, Yoshida-ryo dormitory occupants had connections to British Socialism. Later, they had ties to Bolshevism. Political activism increased during the sixties and seventies. Today, there is more openness. The dormitory embraces minorities and provides a space for the local community. They even host regular community dinners.
Yoshida-ryo dormitory is run and managed by the students themselves. This includes selecting residents, collecting rent and organizing events. These events range from live music to theatre performances.
However, the Kyoto University administration has been fighting to close Yoshida-ryo dormitory. They say the older wooden section is unsafe. The century-old foundation is rotting. This is made worse by the Kansai area’s strong earthquakes. The university started court proceedings to evict the students. They want to ensure no one lives in the unsafe structure.
Despite these challenges, Yoshida-ryo dormitory remains a symbol of student autonomy. Residents are proud of their self-administration. They refuse to be governed by the university. Many professors support the students. Over 5,000 people signed a petition defending the dormitory.
Stepping into Yoshida-ryo dormitory is like stepping back in time. The classic wooden entrance leads into another world. It is a world where defiance and progressiveness mix with cats and chickens. It is a reminder of a time when students had more control over their living spaces. It’s a place where history is not just studied, but lived.