Fukuzawa Yukichi Memorial Keio History Museum AY 2023 Special Exhibition: When Tsurunoya Was in Mita

In 1871, Keio University—then known as Keio Gijuku—moved to the site of the former residence of the Shimabara Domain in Tokyo. Since then, Keio has forged over 150 years of history together with the Mita neighborhood.

This exhibition examines Mita Dōri, an avenue that has served as the student district and home base of Keio. The exhibit particularly highlights “Tsurunoya,” a Japanese-style dining bar where, for over half a century since the late 1960s, many students and faculty members gathered together. By viewing the history captured in the exhibition’s showcased items, visitors will be able to reflect on Keio’s school culture.

When Tsurunoya Was in Mita hopes to be an opportunity for all to look back on what made the student district so special, and compare it to the fading reality that faces us today.

1. Basic overview

Dates: Wednesday, September 20, 2023–Saturday, October 7, 2023
Closed on Sundays and national holidays (Saturday, September 23)
Venue: Old University Library 2nd Floor, Temporary Exhibition Room, Keio History Museum
Open: 10:00–18:00
Admission: Open to everyone

2. Exhibition structure:

  1. Before Keio
  2. Fukuzawa Yukichi and Mita Dōri
  3. Keio Gijuku and the Student District
  4. Tsurunoya and its Legacy

3. Featured items

  1. Earthenware from the third century onward excavated from Mita Dōri
  2. Documents related to Yukichi Fukuzawa and Mita Dōri, including letters by Fukuzawa
  3. Ledgers from the Tada Pawnshop and other historical documents related to Mita Dōri and Keio Gijuku
  4. Pennant displayed at the “Tsurunoya”
  5. Video interview with the founder of Tsurunoya
Interior of the “Tsurunoya” (2019)
Mita Dōri at the end of the Meiji period (1868–1912) (Fukuzawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies Collection)
Ledgers from the Tada Pawnshop (Fukuzawa Memorial Center for Modern Japanese Studies Collection)