Keio University Mita Campus, Tokyo

October 16, 2023 310 Views

While traveling in Tokyo, memories of a “Tokyo University Student Interview” I had watched on YouTube before my Japan trip came to mind. This naturally led me to think it would be nice to explore a university campus nearby.

Checking the map, I discovered the “Keio University Mita Campus” in the vicinity. It was about a 30-minute walk from my accommodation. With the weather being pleasant during Tokyo’s spring, I decided to take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the scenery along the way, until I reached the Keio University Mita Campus.

“Prominent Universities in Tokyo”

Japan, like South Korea, places great importance on academic background in its society. Tokyo University is considered the best university in Japan, followed by seven national universities established during the imperial era, and subsequently, Waseda University and Keio University. Comparatively, in South Korea, we have a culture of prestigious universities like Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, Sogang University, and Hanyang University. However, unlike South Korea, there’s a notable difference in Japan, where national universities are situated between Tokyo University and Waseda/Keio.

“Official Name of Keio University”

The official name of Keio University is “Keio Gijuku University,” commonly referred to as Keio University. As a private university in Tokyo, it holds a position similar to Yonsei or Korea University in South Korea.

“Keio University Mita Campus”

The campus I explored was the Mita Campus of Keio University. I walked slowly from Shinagawa, taking in the Tokyo scenery. Perhaps due to its central location in Tokyo, the campus didn’t seem overly vast. There were not too many buildings, around seven in total.

I later learned that Keio University has a total of six campuses. The Mita Campus is used by undergraduate students from the Department of Humanities (years 2-4), the faculties of Economics, Law, and Business and Commerce (years 3-4), and graduate students in Literature, Economics, Law, Sociology, and Business and Commerce (Graduate School of Law).

“Brief Conversation with a Uzbekistan Exchange Student”

While exploring Keio University, a foreign exchange student approached me, probably mistaking me for a local. Unfortunately, due to my lack of knowledge about the campus geography, I couldn’t guide the student to their destination. It was a bit disappointing, but at the same time, it became a memorable and amusing experience.

“Keio University Mita Campus, Tokyo”