Symposium and Memorial Celebration Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Keio Medicine Held
On Saturday, May 13, 2017, Keio Medicine Centennial Celebration was held at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo’s Chiyoda Ward. The venue was filled with over 1,000 guests, including current and former Keio students and faculty, who gathered to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Keio University School of Medicine.
Following the opening speech by School of Medicine Dean Prof. Hideyuki Okano, the symposium featured seven lectures from today’s leading doctors and researchers in their fields around a common symposium theme: “The Next 100 Years of Keio Medicine.” After several presentations by School of Medicine researchers, commemorative lectures were given by Keio Medical Science Prize recipients Dr. Katsuhiko Mikoshiba and Dr. Fred Gage as well as by Kyoto University professor and Nobel Laureate Dr. Shinya Yamanaka, who is working with the School of Medicine on joint research into iPS cells. The participants shared insights into the medicine that will shape the next 100 years, including minimally invasive cancer treatments, gut microbiota, signaling and cell-to-cell communication, longevity and data-driven research, and regenerative medicine using iPS cells.
During the commemoration ceremony, Keio University President Atsushi Seike’s speech preceded speeches from Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Yasuhisa Shiozaki, former dean of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Larry Shapiro, and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science President Yuichiro Anzai. Words of congratulations were also shared by Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Hirokazu Matsuno and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko. School of Medicine students Erina Hamada and Masahiro Kuno shared their commitment to medicine in “Declaration for the Future,” a powerful message for the next 100 years of the School of Medicine.
The memorial celebration also included a vibrant performance by the School of Medicine orchestra. Following a greeting by Vice-President Prof. Yoshiaki Toyama and speeches by Mita-kai (Keio Alumni Association) President Yoshiki Hiki, The Kitasato Institute Advisor Ichiro Kitasato, and Sanshikai (School of Medicine Alumni Association) President Junzo Takeda, a toast was made by Keio University Board of Councillors Chair Hiromichi Iwasa. The lighthearted atmosphere of the memorial celebration was in stark contrast with the solemnity of the commemoration ceremony, and included a film showing highlights of the past 100 years, as well as piano and saxophone performances, and even some magic tricks by Keio Medical students. The Party of Rooters then gave a rousing performance, and the beautiful night celebrating the School of Medicine’s 100th anniversary was brought to a close with a final speech by Keio University Hospital Director General Tsutomu Takeuchi.
From start to finish, an air of excitement and enthusiasm enveloped the Keio Medicine Centennial celebrations.
