Red Gate Remains Shut for Tokyo University Students

Oct 07, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Tokyo University's iconic Red Gate, which has long been a symbol for prospective students to pass through, has remained closed for the past three years, leaving many students unable to experience walking through it.

The gate has become known as a significant landmark for students aiming to pass the university's entrance exams. However, the reality is that the Red Gate has been closed for three years now, preventing even current students who passed the exams from experiencing it.

Visiting the site, broadcaster Minoru Aoi found the Red Gate shut, with "No Entry" signs displayed prominently. Curious about the students' thoughts on this situation, he conducted interviews with several individuals.

When asked if they had ever passed through the Red Gate, a graduate student replied, "I joined Todai as a graduate student, so I've never seen it open." To the question of what the Red Gate represents to Todai students, the student described it as "a mascot or symbol." The student expressed a desire to see the gate open at least once: "I'd like to see it open just once."

Another student, reflecting on the timing of their entrance during the COVID-19 pandemic, also mentioned they had never seen the Red Gate open. When asked if they wanted to walk through it, they responded, "I used to have that urge, but not anymore." Another added, "I went to see it once, but it left me feeling a bit down."

The Red Gate's historical significance dates back to the Edo period when the area was the Edo residence of the Maeda family, rulers of the Kaga Domain. Officially named the Former Kaga Residence Guard House Gate, it was constructed in 1827, nearly 200 years ago. Despite surviving the Meiji Restoration, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and air raids during World War II, the gate was designated a National Treasure in 1931 and is now recognized as an Important Cultural Property.

The closure of the gate is due to concerns about its seismic resistance. Experts investigating the structure of the roof tiles found that the gate might collapse in the event of a major earthquake or strong winds. Tokyo University plans to keep the gate closed until it can ensure its seismic safety, aiming to reopen it in three years, coinciding with the university's 150th anniversary.

However, students are currently more concerned about a different issue—tuition hikes. In 2025, Tokyo University announced it would increase the annual tuition fees by approximately 110,000 yen, raising the total to 642,960 yen. While the tuition for current students remains unchanged, the news has sparked protests. One student remarked, "There will definitely be people who are affected by the increase. Although there were opportunities for dialogue, there was not enough widespread communication afterward, raising trust issues."

The university plans to improve the educational environment with the tuition hike, expanding tuition exemption eligibility from households with annual incomes of up to 4 million yen to those earning up to 6 million yen. Additionally, partial exemptions will be offered to families with incomes up to 9 million yen, depending on their circumstances.

Source: FNN

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