Winter Campus: Leafless Trees and Vanished Fallen Leaves
The History and Characteristics of the University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo, abbreviated as Todai, was established in 1877 and is one of Japan's oldest national universities. Its predecessors were the "Tokyo Kaisei School" and the "Tokyo Medical School," which later merged to form the University of Tokyo. Todai holds a pivotal position in Japan's education and academic fields, having nurtured countless outstanding talents, including multiple Nobel Prize winners and Japanese prime ministers. Renowned for its rigorous admission standards and exceptional academic excellence, the university boasts a strong scholarly atmosphere and advanced research facilities, covering a wide range of disciplines from natural sciences to humanities. Todai's educational philosophy emphasizes cultivating students' independent thinking and innovative spirit, earning its graduates high acclaim both in Japan and internationally.
The predecessor of the University of Tokyo was the "Tokyo Imperial University," founded in 1877, Japan's first modern university and one of Asia's most prestigious institutions. It has produced 11 Nobel laureates, and the white-haired elderly person you might casually bump into on campus could very well be a leading authority in their field.
Architectural Features of the Campus
Todai's architecture is like a living history textbook: The campus features a diverse range of architectural styles, blending traditional and modern elements. Aside from the Yasuda Auditorium—a Gothic Revival-style gray-brown giant tower that serves as Todai's symbol, which was Tokyo's tallest building when completed in 1925 and now primarily functions as a backdrop for graduation ceremonies—other buildings on campus each have their own unique charm.
While the Engineering Building No. 2 and No. 6 lack the classical elegance of the Yasuda Auditorium, they are celebrated for their modern design and functionality.
The roads on campus are lined with neatly trimmed greenery, though in winter, many trees have shed their leaves. The bare ginkgo tree resembles an upside-down broom. Strangely, not a single fallen leaf can be found on the ground. The plane trees along the Engineering Department's pathways are left with only branches, sketching nerve-ending-like patterns against the blue sky.
Campus Stroll: Experiencing Todai's Serenity and Vibrancy
After leaving the Central Cafeteria, I took a leisurely walk around the campus, soaking in Todai's tranquility and energy. Outside the Yasuda Auditorium, a large tree stands tall and strong in the square, as if it were the guardian of Todai, silently witnessing the changing seasons on campus. Continuing forward, I arrived at Engineering Building No. 2 and No. 6. The modern design of these structures contrasts sharply with the classical style of the Yasuda Auditorium, yet they coexist harmoniously within the same campus. This blend of tradition and modernity is precisely what makes the University of Tokyo so captivating.
Walking along the campus paths, even in winter, not a single fallen leaf could be seen on the ground, making it exceptionally clean.