Fukuzawa Yukichi Memorial Keio History Museum 2024 Fall Special Exhibition
Behold the Legend, Fujiyama Ichirō! —The Iconic Showa Singer and His Life with Keio—

Flyer

Popular National Singer, Keio Alumnus, and Composer of Keio School Songs
Fujiyama Ichirō(1911–1993), born Masunaga Takeo, studied at Keio from 6 to 17 years old. While he was at Keio Futsubu, he was in charge of teaching the singing of Wakaki-chi (Young Blood) and continued to be involved in the music and songs of Keio University throughout his life. This exhibition will shed light on this period of Fujiyama’s career while reviewing his life and works. We will cover how Fujiyama mastered traditional singing techniques at the Tokyo Academy of Music (now known as the Tokyo University of the Arts) and boldly ventured into the world of Japanese popular music of the time (known as ryūkōka). We will also trace his journey as he endeavored tirelessly to develop a musical culture of refinement and grace, leaving behind a multifaceted legacy through his euphonious singing voice and sincere, tenacious and rebellious spirit.

1. Exhibition Details

Dates:Thursday, October 17, 2024–Saturday, December 14, 2024
Closed on: Wednesday, November 20, Monday, November 25, Sundays and public holidays (Will be open on November 23–24)

Venue: 2nd Floor, Old University Library, Temporary Exhibition Room, Keio History Museum

Open: 10:00–18:00

Admission: Open to everyone

Details: https://history.keio.ac.jp/en/

2. Exhibition Structure

  1. The Birth of Fujiyama Ichirō
  2. Persevering Through Wartime Struggles
  3. Believing in the Power of Music
  4. Together with Keio University

3. Featured items

  1. Favorite accordion SETTIMIO from the pre-war era (Collection from the Fujiyama Ichirō Foundation for the Promotion of Musical Culture)
  2. People’s Honor Award plaque (Collection from the Fujiyama Ichirō Foundation for the Promotion of Musical Culture; 1992)
  3. Poster for a performance at Sugamo Prison (Collection from the Fujiyama Ichirō Foundation for the Promotion of Musical Culture; November 1951)
  4. “Rajio Taiso no Uta (Radio Calisthenics Song)” Handwritten Score by Fujiyama Ichirō(Collection from the NHK Museum of Broadcasting; 1957)
  5. Calligraphy by Nagai Takashi Attached to the Letter of Gratitude for Singing of “Bells of Nagasaki”(Collection from the Fujiyama Ichirō Foundation for the Promotion of Musical Culture; 1949)
  6. Pennant from the Keio University Cheerleading Team celebrating the People’s Honor Award (Collection from the Fujiyama Ichirō Foundation for the Promotion of Musical Culture; 1992)
１．Favorite accordion SETTIMIO from the pre-war era
２．People’s Honor Award plaque
３．Poster for a performance at Sugamo Prison
４．“Rajio Taiso no Uta (Radio Calisthenics Song)” Handwritten Score by Fujiyama Ichirō
５．Calligraphy by Nagai Takashi Attached to the Letter of Gratitude for Singing of “Bells of Nagasaki”
６．Pennant from the Keio University Cheerleading Team celebrating the People’s Honor Award

4. Related Events

(1) Talk & Concert “Let’s Chat about Fujiyama Ichirō and Sing His Songs” (Admission is free, maximum capacity of 100)
Ichikawa Taiko, the daughter of Fujiyama Ichirō, will join us in reminiscing and revisiting old memories through a live performance of many famous songs, with a focus on Keio school songs.
Date and time: Saturday, November 2, 13:30–16:00 (venue opens at 13:00) Application: On a first-come-first-serve basis on the actual day of the event. Applications will close once maximum capacity is reached.

(2) Gallery Talk (Exhibition commentary; admission is free, maximum capacity of 15)
Date and time: Friday, October 25, Wednesday, November 13, 13:00–13:45
Admission: Apply at the reception desk of the exhibition hall from 12:30 on the day of the event