80 Years After the War: Revisiting the Independence of Academia

Exhibition Overview: Revising the Independence of Academia

As we approach the 80th anniversary of World War II, we are reminded of the distance in time that separates the current generation from the harsh realities of war. For many students today, the events of war seem increasingly distant, a notion echoed in statements like, "If I were in that situation, I think I would be paralyzed by fear," or "I am grateful for the peace we enjoy now." This sentiment reflects a growing detachment from the immediacy of conflict, which is alarming considering ongoing tragedies in places like Ukraine and Gaza. These current events remind us that war is not merely a relic of the past, but a harsh reality still impacting lives today.

Waseda University endured significant human and material losses during the war, yet there were instances where cooperation with the war effort was unavoidable. Founded on the principles of "independence of academia," the university continuously reflects on how it engages with the concepts of war and power, instilling the responsibility to ensure that those experiences and lessons are communicated to future generations.

Waseda University has a history of addressing wartime experiences through exhibitions held at its historical museum. In 2013, 2015, and now in 2023, exhibitions have focused primarily on the theme of conscription among students during the war, culminating with the war's end. However, it is crucial to recognize that the consequences of war did not cease with the proclamation of peace on August 15, 1945. The impact of the war persisted, shaping the postwar narrative of the university.

The museum is currently involved in compiling the second volume of "A History of Waseda University, 150 Years" focusing on the postwar era. Research and documentation efforts are underway to collect materials and prepare comprehensive content.

The upcoming exhibition will explore how the ideals and realities of academic independence eroded during wartime and how they have been reexamined in the postwar context. It offers a chance to reflect on how we can pass down the stories of those who faced the war to the generations that follow.

Exhibition Details

- Dates: July 4 (Fri) to August 31 (Sun)

(Closed on Wednesdays and from August 7 to 17, with special openings on August 20 and 27)

- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Waseda University Historical Museum, Exhibition Room
- Access: 1-6-1 Nishi-Waseda, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050

(5-minute walk from Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line)

For those wishing to learn more, please visit the museum website or their social media pages for the latest updates. We encourage everyone to come and engage with this important reflection of our past and its implications for the future.