On Saturday, 8 November 2008, Keio University 150th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony was held at the Athletics field of Hiyoshi Campus.
In the main venue of Hiyoshi Campus, about 8,300 people including guests, students, graduates, students' parents and faculty and staff gathered, as well as about 3,100 people in Mita Campus, about 600 in Shonan Fujisawa Campus and about 500 people in the Osaka venue (Dojima River Forum), all to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
At the “Pre-Ceremony Programme”, which started at noon, live images from all venues were shown on screen, a program featuring “150-year History of Japan’s Modernization and Keio University” was presented, introduction of the 150th Anniversary Commemorative Project was made, and pre-recorded images of the “Keio University 150th Anniversary Commemorative Postage Stamp Presentation Ceremony” which was held the day before was presented. There was also performance of “Keio Gijuku Festival Overture”.
At the following “Commemorative Ceremony”, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, along with Presidents of universities in and outside of Japan and many other guests were seated on the main stage.
The Ceremony started with performance of “Keio University 150th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony Fanfare” and commemoration flight in the sky over Hiyoshi Campus by motor gliders, which was followed by the opening address, address by President Yuichiro Anzai, and Address by His Majesty the Emperor. Congratulatory speeches were made by several Presidents of universities from around the world, the representative of graduates, and two student representatives made “Resolutions”. Attendees all sung the “Juku-ka”(Alma Mater), and the Ceremony ended with the Closing Address.
After the ceremony, “Design the Future” Declaration was held for the future of Keio University. The programme started with Japanese Taiko drum performance by students of Keio Futsubu School. This was followed by the “Design the Future” Declaration, a strong message for the future, presented by student representatives of each school starting from Yochisha Elementary School to Graduate Schools, and also graduates who are successful in the business world.
In response to the message, the Keio University Cheerleading Club performed “Cheer for the future”. Finally, attendees put their hands on each other's shoulders and sung together Keio University's fight song, “Wakaki-chi” and "Keio Sanka".
Also at the remote venues of Mita Campus, Shonan Fujisawa Campus and Osaka, many smiles were seen in an air of excitement as all the programmes of the Commemorative Ceremony were successfully carried out.
