Mita festival

Overview

Mitasai is a university festival held annually around November 23 at Keio University’s Mita Campus. It ranks among the largest college festivals in Japan in terms of visitors and participating groups, having continued under the name “Mitasai” since 1959. The festival features stage performances that showcase everyday training results, internationally rich food stalls, and exhibitions by cultural clubs, combining entertainment with academic presentations.

The entire operation is managed by a student organization called the Mitasai Executive Committee, which receives no financial support from the university. The committee independently handles sponsorship negotiations, coordination with guest speakers and external organizations, and troubleshooting. This self-reliant approach embodies the spirit of “independence and self-respect,” a core value of Keio University. Every year, many alumni visit their alma mater, filling the Mita area with a festive atmosphere.

History and Origins

Keio’s university festival was established under the name “Mitasai” in 1959. Although student-led events existed before, the current format was fixed that year. Since then, it has become an autumn tradition, attracting large crowds for over half a century. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a fully online edition in 2020, with streaming via YouTube and web-only projects. In 2021, a limited in-person event resumed with advance tickets, restricted to Keio affiliates. The 2022 edition lifted the ban on food preparation and service, reopening to the general public. By 2023, all restrictions—ticketing and cooking limits—were abolished, restoring the pre-pandemic bustle.

Historically, scandals have led to cancellations. In 2010, the main festival was canceled due to troubles within the organizing student group, although the pre-festival event continued. In 2016, a sexual assault case involving a finalist of the Mr. Keio contest caused the cancellation of that year’s contest and the suspension of the Advertising Research Society. These incidents highlighted both the fragility and the need for accountability in student-run operations.

The pre-festival event, known as the "zenyasai," features a concert by well-known artists. It has customarily been held at Hiyoshi Memorial Hall on campus; when that hall was being demolished, the 60th edition in 2018 was held at Pacifico Yokohama National Hall. The venue varies by year, so check official announcements. It features a concert by famous artists (specific performers vary each year and should be confirmed via official announcements) attended by thousands. In earlier years, the venue was sometimes the Hiyoshi Memorial Hall or other locations, but Yokohama has become the established site.

Highlights

Academic Presentations and Seminar Research A core pillar of Mitasai is the research presentations by university seminars. Seminars from the faculties of economics, commerce, law, literature, and the Institute for Media and Communications participate. Third-year students present their year-long research findings through posters and oral sessions. These presentations represent a culmination of students’ academic efforts and are highly regarded by faculty and corporate visitors. Attendees gain direct exposure to cutting-edge academic knowledge.

Food Stalls and International Diversity Throughout the campus, student clubs operate food stalls. The menu ranges from traditional Japanese fare like yakisoba and takoyaki to cuisines from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. This diversity reflects Keio’s large international student population and many global-themed clubs. Under the ginkgo trees, over 80 groups sell food and drinks, creating a lively strolling-and-eating atmosphere.

Stage Performances On the main stage, dance circles, bands, choirs, and traditional arts groups perform their daily practice results. Dozens of groups appear each year, with programs running continuously throughout the four days. The audience fills the venue with energy, and each group’s climax draws thunderous applause. These performances are tangible manifestations of students’ passion and dedication.

Exhibitions by Cultural Clubs Art, photography, calligraphy, model-building, gaming, and other cultural clubs set up exhibitions and interactive events in classrooms and halls. Many allow visitors to touch works or try hands-on activities. Families with children particularly enjoy these learning-through-play opportunities. Each club expresses its unique worldview, transforming the entire campus into a space of creativity.

Events in Front of the National Important Cultural Property In the square in front of Keio's Old Library Building—a National Important Cultural Property—wrestling and boxing matches are held. A temporary ring is erected against the backdrop of the stately brick building, creating a dramatic setting. The normally quiet academic symbol becomes a hub of excitement and cheers, a sight unique to Mitasai.

Grand Finale: After-Festival Event On the final day, the “after-festival” (kōyasai) takes place, featuring a large-scale finale with over 300 participants. Executive committee members and participating groups gather to celebrate the festival’s success and express gratitude to visitors. Fireworks and other performances add to the spectacle. This event is the moment when students’ unity and sense of accomplishment shine most brightly.

Event Information and Access

• Dates: Four days around November 23, typically Friday through Monday. Dates vary by year, so check official announcements.
• Venue: Keio University Mita Campus, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8345.
• Access (JR): 8-minute walk from JR Yamanote/Keihin-Tohoku Line “Tamachi” Station, via the Sannozaka intersection along Mita-dori.
• Access (Subway): 7-minute walk from Toei Mita Line/Asakusa Line “Mita” Station; also about 8 minutes from “Akabanebashi” Station.
• Admission Fee: Entry is generally free. However, some lectures and the pre-festival (zenyasai) may require paid tickets. Fees vary by year; refer to the official website for the latest information.
• Latest Schedule and Availability: Dates and formats may change annually. Always check the official website (mitasai.com) for confirmed details.

Surrounding Area

Mita Campus is the main campus of Keio University, housing the university’s headquarters. The campus grounds include the Old Library Building of Keio University (now the Keio History Museum), a National Important Cultural Property with a red-brick façade that attracts visiting eyes. The ginkgo tree-lined avenue turns golden in autumn, making the campus especially beautiful during Mitasai. The square in front of the Old Library becomes a venue for student wrestling and boxing matches, filling the air with cheers.

During Mitasai, the area around Mita Station and Sakurada-dori is crowded with alumni carrying paper bags bearing the Keio logo. They visit their alma mater to relive student memories. The streets are lined with restaurants and bookstores, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The district between Mita and Tamachi stations, normally a mix of business and residential zones, sees a noticeable increase in foot traffic during the festival.

Related Information

• Mitasai is a member of the Tokyo Six University Festival Federation, ranking among the largest university festivals in Japan alongside the Waseda Festival.
• The festival is entirely student-run by the Mitasai Executive Committee, which receives no university funding.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition was fully online; 2021 saw a limited in-person event; restrictions were phased out by 2023.
• The zenyasai features concerts by prominent artists. Venues have varied by year, including Hiyoshi Memorial Hall and, for the 60th edition in 2018, Pacifico Yokohama National Hall (performers and venue vary; check official announcements).
• The main festival was canceled in 2010 due to an incident involving the organizing student group, and the Mr. Keio contest was canceled in 2016 after a sexual assault case.
• Seminar research presentations form the academic core of Mitasai, with seminars from economics, commerce, law, literature, and media studies participating.
• Student wrestling and boxing matches are held every year in front of the National Important Cultural Property, the Old Library Building of Keio University.
• The final-day after-festival (kōyasai) is a large-scale finale involving over 300 students, expressing gratitude to visitors and celebrating the festival’s success.

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