#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda Baseball #Isao Abe #University History

125 Years of Waseda University Baseball: A Journey of Pride and Challenge

Waseda University Baseball Club will celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2026. A special exhibition, running from September 19 to November 16 at the Waseda University History Museum, will delve into the life and philosophy of Isao Abe (1865–1949), the founder and first director of the club, while also tracing the club's 125-year journey.

Isao Abe, with the underlying principles of Christianity and liberalism, championed “Baseball as Education,” viewing it as a means for character building. This concept became a foundational aspect of the baseball club, influencing iconic moments like the first Waseda-Keio match, the 1905 tour to America, the rise of the Tokyo Six University Baseball League, interruptions due to wars and subsequent revivals, and the current landscape of university-level baseball.

The history of challenges faced by student baseball since its inception is highlighted through fierce battles with its fated rival and historic matches that have evolved with the times. The exhibition showcases an array of materials, including uniforms from the club's early days, pre-war scorebooks, records of wins and losses, and photographs that narrate the tradition and transformation of “Waseda Baseball.” Additionally, attendees can hear from current members and alumni, sharing insights into the spirit of the club today and its future.

Among the exhibits are significant items such as:

• - A 1905 photograph featuring Isao Abe in the center
• - A commemorative signed baseball from the Fall 1954 Tokyo Six University League victory
• - The nameplate of the Abe Stadium

Exhibition Details

• - Dates: September 19 (Friday) - November 16 (Friday), 2025
• - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• - Closed: Wednesdays (Note: Open on September 24 and October 15)

Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for the latest information regarding opening hours before planning their visit.

Venue and Access

The exhibition will take place at the Waseda University History Museum, located on the first floor of Building 1 on the Waseda Campus, in the "Soaring Roof" area and the exhibition room.

Address: 1-6-1 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8050

• - Access: 5-minute walk from Waseda Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line) Exit 2, 3A, or 3B
• - 5-minute walk from Waseda Station (Toden Arakawa Line)
• - Take the Toei bus from Takadanobaba Station (JR Yamanote Line) and disembark at the final stop “Waseda University Main Gate,” a 1-minute walk away.

Admission

Free (No reservation required)

About the Waseda University History Museum

Waseda University aims to transform its campus into a museum, having realized this vision with the establishment of the Waseda University History Museum on March 20, 2018. This museum serves to present historical materials and information about the university’s past, present, and future. It moves beyond a simple chronological display, offering diverse perspectives to engage visitors in discovering new insights. The museum employs various digital mediums to regularly update the exhibition content and often combines thematic and special exhibits to create a space that invites repeated visits.

The museum comprises three permanent exhibition areas (“Eternal Ideal,” “Spirit of Progress,” and “Soaring Roof”), an exhibition room, and a theater room for viewing video programs. Additionally, it features a Waseda merchandise shop and a café, encouraging visitors to enjoy their time and not just view the exhibits.

Website: Waseda University History Museum