Doshisha Kyotanabe Kaido HIKARI-KAN Exhibition:“Planting the Seeds of Doshisha’s Christianity”

Table of Contents

Exhibition Theme: Niijima Jo and Christianity･･････････････････････････････････ 1

Exhibition Theme: Doshisha and Christianity････････････････････････････････････ 11

Document List, Photography List････････････････････････････････････････････････ 21

Exhibition Details:
The exhibition is held at the Doshisha University Kyotanabe Kaido HIKARI-KAN from April
3, 2023 until the end of September, 2023. Sponsored by the Doshisha University Centerfor Christian Culture and supported by the Doshisha Archives Center it presents
documents related to Niijima Jo and his international experiences.
Cover：“The Rutland Speech,”Exhibition Theme:
Niijima Jo and Christianity

Niijima encountered Christianity and as he learned more his
faith deepened. He then collaborated with others who shared
his evangelical goals and created an education based on
Christianity. This trajectory can be seen in many documents,
including a number highlighted in this exhibition.

1

Exhibition Documents

Prayer (copy) 1865, 1 piece, 13.5×12.5cm
On October 12, 1865 (Keio 1) Niijima arrived in Boston port and shortly after wrote
this prayer in English. The captain of the Wild Rover, which had brought Niijima to
America, encouraged him to explain to the ship’s owner, Alpheus Hardy, why he hadcome to America. Niijima spent three days at the Boston Sailor’s Home writing that
explanation, and it was during this time that he also wrote this prayer.

Niijima Jo’s Bible (copy) date unknown, 1 volume, 21×14cm
In the year after Niijima arrived in America, Alpheus Hardy became the guardian of ayoung man named Joshua Montgomery Sears (1854-1905) who gave Niijima this Bible.
Niijima already had a condensed Bible translated into Chinese, so the English Bible
was the first time he had ever seen the full text. In this Bible we see Niijima’s
many handwritten notes, indicating his deepening curiosity and faith.
2

Exhibition Documents

Correspondence to Niijima from eight missionaries (copy,portion) January 1,
1874, 1 item, 25.1×20.1cm

Excited to learn about Niijima’s impending graduation from Andover TheologicalSeminary, eight Christian missionaries in Kobe signed a joint letter urging him to join
their work. They were particularly eager to welcome a Japanese colleague. In November
1874, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions made Niijima an associatemissionary, and sent him to Japan to join the work of other missionaries.

Branch of Chastisement (copy) Meiji period, 3 pieces, the largest 60 cm
In April 1880(Meiji 13), senior students led sophomores in a protest against theschool, leading Doshisha into turmoil. On the 13th of April Niijima addressed thestudents at the morning chapel hour, telling them that the troubles were the result of
his poor leadership, rather than their disobedience. To punish himself for this failure,
Niijima used this cane to repeatedly strike the palm of his hand. The incident deeply
impressed the students with Niijima’s integrity and deep Christian faith and became
a lesson passed down to subsequent generations of Doshisha faculty and students.
3

Exhibition Documents

Draft of J.D. Davis’ Employment Contract (copy,portion) Meiji period, 1 piece,
25.5×20.3cm

Doshisha Academy began with just two teachers, one of them Jerome Dean Davis (18381910). This is a draft of his employment contract. Davis was a devoted missionary
working in Kobe, and eagerly agreed to help when he learned of Niijima’s plan to builda school. Some of Davis’ students in Kobe became among Doshisha Academy’s firstenrolled students. Davis was therefore one of Doshisha’s most important supporters inthe school’s early years.

D. W. Learned’s Contract (copy) 1884, 1 piece , 21×33.5cm
Not long after establishing Doshisha Academy, Niijima invited a missionary named
Dwight Whitney Learned (1848-1943) to join the faculty. At that time missionaries were
expected to have a well-rounded education and be expert in many fields, and D. W.
Learned was no exception. In the school’s early days Learned taught classes on suchwide-ranging topics as Christianity, language, economics, and astronomy. When Doshisha
was granted university status in 1920, he served as president, and over more than halfa-century made significant contributions.
4

Poster panel＜Mount Vernon Church＞

Mount Vernon Church

On September 24, 1874 (Meiji 7) at Mount Vernon Church in Boston, Niijima wasordained a minister. At the service, his former Amherst professor Julius Hawley
Seelye (1824-1895) gave a dedicatory sermon based on John 12:32. Sticking to old
Puritan principles, both Amherst College and Seelye made a deep impression on
Niijima and continued to inspire him long after he completed his three years ofstudy there.

＜Niijima Jo’s Studies at Andover Seminary＞

12

1. Photo of Niijima Jo, his classmates and the staff of Andover Seminary
2. Photo of Niijima Jo, taken while he was a student at Andover Seminary

After graduating from Amherst, Niijima consulted with Alpheus Hardy and agreed tocontinue his studies at Andover Seminary. Beginning in September 1870 (Meiji 3), Niijima
enrolled in a special course. Andover taught New England theology, and educated it
students for careers as ministers and missionaries. In 1872 (Meiji 5), while studying
at Andover, Niijima was asked by the Iwakura diplomatic mission to advise Tanaka
Fujimaro, who had been sent to study and report on Western education. Serving as
Tanaka’s translator, the two toured the US and seven European nations, studying
education, hospitals and newspapers. Throughout the US and Europe Niijima saw firsthand the important links between education and Christianity, and this became the basis
for his own educational philosophy.
5

Poster panel＜Portrait of Niijima Jo and his wife Yae＞

Portrait of Niijima Jo and Yae

This is a picture taken shortly after Niijima and Yae were married. Niijima wears
western clothes, while Yae wears a kimono, holds a Western hat and wears Western shoes.
In the early Meiji period it was extremely rare to see anyone wearing Western clothes.
The author Tokutomi Iichiro (better known by his later name, Tokutomi Soho) famously
mocked Yae for this mixture of western and Japanese fashions, calling her a “nue,”a shape-shifting phantom (yokai) in Japanese folklore. The wedding ceremony took placeat the home of J.D. Davis, and was the first Christian wedding ceremony in Kyoto.

＜Niijima’s Residence＞

Niijima’s Residence Shortly After Construction

Niijima and his wife were not only married in Western style, they lived in Western
style as well. One example is taking up residence in their new house as a couple. The
house was built with a donation from Joshua Montgomery Sears, who had lived in Boston
with the Hardy’s at the same time when Niijima was a student in the US. The Niijima
house was built on the site of the home of Takamatsu, which Doshisha Academy leased
for a school building when it first opened. The two-story, wooden building has awestern-style exterior, while the interior is in a more Japanese style making it anexample of an east-west aesthetic. In 1985 (Showa 60) it was declared a Tangible
Cultural Property in Kyoto, and is open to the public for visitation.

＜J. D. Davis and D. W. Learned＞
6

Poster panel

Portrait of J. D. Davis

Portrait of D. W. Learned

J. D. Davis and D. W. Learned, both missionaries sponsored by the American Board ofCommissioners for Foreign Missions, devoted their lives to nurturing Doshisha. Daviswas both professor and administrator, while Learned taught a wide range of topics,
including the first course in Japan on economics. Because of their enormous
contributions, Davis Memorial Auditorium and Learned Memorial Library on the Kyotanabe
campus are named for them.

＜Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial Hall＞

Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial Hall

Hall Shortly After Construction

Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial Hall Engraving

After Niijima’s death in 1890, supporters of Doshisha decided to collect money tobuild a Theological Hall, but unfortunately little came of these efforts. At this point
an American businessman named B. W. Clarke donated $10,000 to construct a building inhonor of his deceased son, B. S. Clarke. With this donation as a basis, Byron StoneClarke Memorial Hall was completed in 1893 (Meiji 26) with its distinguishing spire.
This housed Doshisha’s Theology Department until 1963 (Showa 38) when the current
Theology Building was constructed. At that time this hall was renamed Clarke Memorial
Hall.

7

Poster panel＜Christianity provides the foundation for Doshisha’s educational
philosophy＞

8

Poster panel＜Doshisha’s Spirit on the Basis of Christianity＞

Diagram Showing the Relationship between Christianity and Doshisha’s Educational Philosophy

Christianity is the central support of Doshisha’s other pillars: liberalism, andinternationalism. Together, these principles shaped the central character ofDoshisha. Niijima respected each individual student as the unique creation of God.
From that basis, Doshisha is committed to nurturing each individual student. As aresult of this educational system, Doshisha has produced many talented people whohave pioneered in various fields, and brought into their work the Scriptural commands
to value each person as “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) and the “light of
the world” (Mathew 5:14).

9

＜Chapel Hour (Sponsored by the Center for Christian Culture)＞

Doshisha Kyotanabe Kaido KOTOBA-KAN

To encourage spiritual reflection, the Center for Christian Culture holds three weekly
Chapel Hour worship services during the spring and fall semesters in different chapels
on the Imadegawa and Kyotanabe campuses. The services feature messages of Christianreflection and thoughts on the problems of contemporary living from ministers,
professors and other guests, and congregants share hymns, prayer, Bible reading,blessings and encouragement. Everyone is welcome, whether student, staff, faculty orcommunity member.

Imadegawa Campus

Kyotanabe Campus

TUE

17：30～18：10

WED

10：45～11：30

FRI

Lunch time（12：35～13：00）

Lunch time（12：35～13：00）

10

Exhibition Theme:
Doshisha and Christianity

The Doshisha holds many documents related to the early
history of Doshisha. Among these are those related to
Niijima’s

thoughts

onChristianeducation,therelationship between Christianity and the larger society,as well as many materials demonstrating his educational
vision for the kind of person he wished to Doshisha toproduce.

11

Exhibition Documents

Pledge of Engaging the Mission Work in Japan by the “Kumamoto Band”(copy) January 30, 1876, 1 scroll, 21.5×73cm

This record shows the names of the “Kumamoto Band” members, who were among
Doshisha’s earliest students. The Kumamoto School for Western Learning was headed by
the American teacher Leroy Lansing Janes (1838-1909) who had an enormous influence on
the 35 students who signed this pledge on January 30, 1876 (Meiji 9) on Mount Hanaoka
in which they committed themselves to their Christian faith. In 1876, the Kumamoto
School for Western Learning was closed and the Kumamoto Band students transferred to
Doshisha.

Manuscript of Niijima’s Speech on Women’s Education at Baika
Girls’ School (copy, portion), Meiji period, 4 pieces, 12.5×20cm
Baika Girls’ School was opened in Osaka in 1878 (Meiji 11) after the Prefectural
Governor approved its application as a Christian girl’s school. Niijima gave a speechat this school in the early years of Meiji, talking about the connections between
women’s education and Christianity. In this speech he said “For improving society,is there anything more important than an education based simultaneously on bothknowledge and virtue? Education and Christianity are the two wheels by which
civilization moves forward.” This differed from the prevailing idea of women’s
education, which focused on housekeeping.
12

Exhibition Documents

Manuscript of Niijima’s Address at Nanzan Gijuku (copy), 1882, 1piece,
19.7×26cm

Nanzan Gijuku (Academy) was a private school for young people, and its education was
based on the principles of the Freedom and People’s Rights Movement. On April 30,
1882 (Meiji 15), Niijima delivered this congratulatory speech at the Academy’s opening
ceremony. The Academy was south of where Doshisha International Junior and Senior HighSchools now stand, and near the Fugenji River.

The Purpose of the Foundation of Doshisha University（copy）1888, 1 volume,
21.5×14.8cm

This is a pamphlet distributed beginning in November 1888 (Meiji 21). Niijima
articulated the founding principles, while the journalist and intellectual Tokutomi
Sohō wrote the contents. It was printed in magazines and newspapers throughout thenation and was thus widely seen. The central principle for the founding of the newschool was to train citizens to become “the conscience of the nation,” an idea
Niijima took directly from his experiences in Europe and the United states.
13

Exhibition Documents

Calligraphy, “The source of self-government and freedom” (copy),
November,1888 1 piece, 23.5×17cm

Niijima believed that “a nation could not improve through the strength of just a
few heroes. Instead, it depends on citizens who are both knowledgeable and virtuous
and this in turn requires an educational system that unites the nation.” These areideas Niijima outlined in his “Purposes of the Foundation of Doshisha University”
and that guided him in the creation of Doshisha. In Japan in the age of the new Meiji
Constitution, Niijima aimed at producing “self-governing, independent citizens,” anda “national conscience.” In this exhibit we see the calligraphy in which Niijima
inscribed these ideals.

Letter from Niijima Jo to Yokota Yasutada(copy),November 23, 1889, 1 item, 18×169cm
On November 23, 1889, Niijima wrote this letter to a fifth-year Doshisha student named
Yokota Yasutada. Niijima writes about the new Meiji Constitution and the
responsibilities awaiting the nation’s new legislature (the Diet). He also uses theexpression “conscience,” saying “I earnestly desire that young people of conscience
will be raised and sent out.” These words, which formed the central ideal of Niijima’s
school, were later inscribed on monuments and placed at Doshisha as well as at Phillips
Academy, a school Niijima attended in the United States.
14

Poster panel＜Rutland Speech＞

Oil Painting of Niijima’s Rutland SpeechGrace Church

Ordained by the American Board of Commissioners of Foreign Missions as a missionary
to Japan, Niijima made a dramatic speech at the Board’s 65th annual meeting at Grace
Church in Rutland, Vermont. For the first time Niijima talked about his dream to build
a Christian school in Japan. His audience was captivated and he quickly collectedaround $5,000 to further his plan. This donation provided the financial foundation for
Doshisha.

＜Imadegawa Campus shortly after opening＞

Imadegawa Campus, first buildings (Numbers 1 and 2)

Satsuma Domain Estate

Doshisha’s first building were two wooden classrooms and a dining hall that also
housed many student boarders. The campus moved from Teramachi Street (where Niijima’s
former residence is today) to Imadegawa in 1876 (Meiji 9). Niijima purchased thisproperty, which had been the Satsuma Domain estate, in 1875 (Meiji 8) with the help of
Yamamoto Kakuma. Even after the official end of prohibitions against Christianity,
resistance remained, especially since the new campus was directly north of the oldimperial palace and just outside the gate of Shokokuji Temple, one of the most importantand powerful Buddhist temples in the city.
15

Poster panel＜Number 30 Classroom＞

1

2

1. Number 30 Classroom
2. Portrait of Makimura Masanao (taken during his time as Kyoto Prefectural Governor)

At the time of Doshisha’s founding, there were many who opposed the opening of a
Christian school, particularly in Kyoto. However, the Kyoto Prefectural Governor,
Makimura Masanao (1834-1896), agreed to the plan so long as the school did not teachthe Bible. Niijima agreed so long as he was not restricted from teaching the Bible off
campus. Following this, Niijima rented an abandoned shop at Daimoncho where the Amherst
House currently stands, and it was there that he taught classes on the Bible. This
classroom was known as the Number 30 classroom.

＜Group Photo of Doshisha Academy’s First Graduating Class＞

Group Photo of Doshisha Academy’s First Graduating Class

Early Students at Doshisha Academy

The first graduates of Doshisha Academy were all members of what was known as the“Kumamoto Band.” Following the closure of their western-style school in Kumamoto in
1876 they moved to Doshisha. Following their graduation some stayed at Doshisha asteachers, others became missionaries in Kyushu and Kanto, and others went into a variety
of different fields of work. Following the graduation ceremony, graduates presented
speeches in both English and Japanese that touched on many themes related to social
issues and religion. This demonstrates that from its origins, Doshisha has always aimed
at using Christianity as the basis upon which to train graduates whose knowledge andpractical abilities can benefit the larger society.
16

Poster panel＜Doshisha Chapel＞

Doshisha Chapel, shortly after completion

Doshisha Chapel Interior, shortly after completion

Approximately six months before the chapel’s completion, the cornerstone was laidon December 12, 1885 (Meiji 18). At this time Niijima spoke about the deep connection
between religion and education, saying that the chapel was the foundation, the symbol
and the soul of Doshisha. The chapel continues to play a central role in the religious
life and education of Doshisha.

＜The Imadegawa Campus in the late 1880s＞

A Late Nineteenth-century Imadegawa Campus View

The Opening of the Harris Science School, Imadegawa Campus

By the end of the 1880s new dormitories and classrooms sprung up across the campus,
as the school greatly expanded. In 1887 a new library (currently Yushukan) opened, andin 1890, shortly after Niijima’s death, the Harris Science School opened, establishinga secure base for studying physics and chemistry. In 1893 Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial
Hall was completed, and at around the same time the official emblem of Doshisha wasapproved.

17

Poster panel＜Open Program (Organized by the Center for Christian Culture)＞

Kyotanabe Campus, Introduction to Sign Language

Imadegawa Campus, Presentation of the Pipe Organ Class Students

In April 1958 the predecessor of the Center for Christian Culture established four
study groups and began a Public Lecture series. In 1981, which was the InternationalYear of Disabled Persons, courses were first offered in braille and sign language. In
2010, the Center changed to an “Open Program” format, extending educational
opportunities beyond Public Lectures. At this point more than 9,000 students and membersof the public have participated. For more information, please consult the website of
the Center for Christian Culture: https://www.christian-center.jp
18

Poster panel＜Doshisha Spirit Tour（Kumamoto / Aizu and Annnaka）(Organized by the Center for Christian＞

Culture)1

2

3

1. Niijima Jo s Home (Gunma Prefecture, Annaka City)
2. The Janes’ Residence. L.L. Janes, teacher at the Kumamoto School for Western Studies (Kumamoto City)
3. Stone Monument of the Kumamoto Band (Kumamoto City, Mt. Hanaoka)

Since Doshisha’s founding Niijima’s emphasis on Christian education has formed acore of the schools’ spirit and mission. The Center for Christian Culture organizes
the Doshisha Spirit Tour, which provides students opportunities to learn about theschool’s founding spirit and their own place in that history, and then apply theselessons to fieldwork. The tour alternates every year between the Kumamoto and AnnakaAizu camps.
Kumamoto plays a particularly important role in the history of Christianity in Japanand of Doshisha. It is the home of the so-called “Kumamoto Band,” which played suchan important role in Doshisha’s early history. Annaka was the home of Niijima’s
grandfather (Annaka domain), and Aizu was the home of Yamamoto Kakuma, an influential
figure in Doshisha’s founding, as well as where Niijima’s wife, Yae, was raised.
19

Poster panel＜Doshisha Spirit Week（Sponsored by the Center for Christian Culture）＞

Performance of the Doshisha University Cheer Team

Public Lecture

Campus Tour Group

Doshisha continues to honor the original intention and spirit of Niijima’s Christianeducational philosophy. Toward that end, Doshisha Spirit Week, begun in 2003, nurtures
the Doshisha community’s Christian identity and encourages reflection on the school’s
founding principles. Every year for one week in the spring semester (from the end of
May to early June) and again in the fall semester (from the end of October to earlyNovember), the Center for Christian Culture hosts a number of events including guest
speakers, public lectures, campus tours, a performance of the Doshisha Cheer Team andother programs learning Doshisha’s history and founding spirit.
20Document list（All documents are copies）
title
authordatesize（cm）
numberExhibition Theme: Niijima Jo and Christianity
PrayerNiijima Jo
October 12, 1865 13.5×12.5
１pieceNiijima Jo’s Bible
21×14
1volumeCorrespondence to Niijima from
J. C. Berry
January 1, 1874
25.1×20.1
１itemeight missionaries
Branch of Chastisement
Meiji period the largest 60 3pieces
Draft of J.D. Davis’
Niijima Jo
1875
25.5×20.3
1pieceEmployment Contract
Niijima Jo, Yamamoto
D. W. Learned’s Contract
1884
21×33.5
1pieceKakuma, Nakamura Eisuke
Exhibition Theme: Doshisha and Christianity
Pledge of Engaging the Mission
Work in Japan by the “Kumamoto
January 30, 1876
21.5×73
1scroll
Band”
Manuscript of Niijima’s Speechon Women’s Education at Baika
Niijima Jo
Meiji period
12.5×20
4pieces
Girls’ School
Manuscript of Niijima’s
Niijima Jo
1882
19.7×26
1pieceAddress at Nanzan Gijuku
The Purpose of the Foundation
Tokutomi Soho, Niijima
1888
21.5×14.8
1volumeof Doshisha University
Jo
Calligraphy, “The source ofNiijima Jo
November, 1888
23.5×17
1pieceself-government and freedom
Letter from Niijima Jo to
Niijima Jo
November 23, 1889
18×169
1item
Yokota Yasutada

ownerDoshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center

Doshisha Archives Center

Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center

Photography list
title
image
Exhibition Theme: Niijima Jo and Christianity
Mount Vernon Church
Mount Vernon Church
Photo of Niijima Jo, his classmates and the staff ofNiijima Jo’s Studies at Andover
Andover Seminary
Seminary
Photo of Niijima Jo, taken while he was a student at
Andover Seminary
Portrait of Niijima Jo and his wife
Portrait of Niijima Jo and Yae
Yae
Niijima’s Residence
Niijima’s Residence Shortly After Construction
Portrait of J. D. DavisJ. D. Davis and D. W. Learned
Portrait of D. W. Learned
Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial Hall Shortly After
Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial Hall
Construction
Byron Stone-Clarke Memorial Hall Engraving
Christianity provides the foundation Christianity provides the foundation for Doshisha’sfor Doshisha’s educational philosophy educational philosophy
Doshisha’s Spirit on the Basis of
Doshisha’s Spirit on the Basis of Christianity
Christianity
Chapel Hour
Doshisha Kyotanabe Kaido KOTOBA-KAN
Exhibition Theme: Doshisha and Christianity
Oil Painting of Niijima’s Rutland Speech
Rutland SpeechGrace Church
Imadegawa Campus, first buildings (Numbers 1 and 2)
Imadegawa Campus shortly after opening
Satsuma Domain Estate
Number 30 Classroom
Number 30 Classroom
Portrait of Makimura Masanao (taken during his time as
Kyoto Prefectural Governor)
Group Photo of Doshisha Academy’s First GraduatingGroup Photo of Doshisha Academy’s
ClassFirst Graduating Class
Early Students at Doshisha Academy
Doshisha Chapel, shortly after completion
Doshisha Chapel
Doshisha Chapel Interior, shortly after completion
A Late Nineteenth-century Imadegawa Campus View
The Imadegawa Campus in the late 1880s The Opening of the Harris Science School, Imadegawa
Campus
Kyotanabe Campus, Introduction to Sign Language
Open Program
Imadegawa Campus, Presentation of the Pipe Organ Class
Students
Niijima Jo’s Home (Gunma Prefecture, Annaka City)
The Janes’ Residence. L.L. Janes, teacher at theDoshisha Spirit Tour
Kumamoto School for Western Studies (Kumamoto City)
Stone Monument of the Kumamoto Band (Kumamoto City, Mt.
Hanaoka)
Performance of the Doshisha University Cheer Team
Doshisha Spirit Week
Public Lecture
Campus Tour Group

21

date

owner

1990'sDoshisha Archives Center

1870'sDoshisha Archives Center

1870'sDoshisha Archives Center

1876

Doshisha Archives Center

1878
Meiji period
Meiji period

Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center

1893

Doshisha Archives Center

2007

Doshisha Archives Center

2018

Center for Christian Culture

2017

Center for Christian Culture

2018

Center for Christian Culture

1965
2005
late 1870's
2014
Meiji period

Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center

1887

Doshisha Archives Center

1879

Doshisha Archives Center

1877
1880's1880's1880'sDoshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center
Doshisha Archives Center

1890

Doshisha Archives Center

2016

Center for Christian Culture

2017

Center for Christian Culture

2009

Center for Christian Culture

2013

Center for Christian Culture

2009

Center for Christian Culture

2016
2016
2016

Center for Christian Culture
Center for Christian Culture
Center for Christian CultureDoshisha Kyotanabe Kaido HIKARI-KAN Exhibition:

Planting the Seeds of Doshisha’s Christianity
Editor: Doshisha Archives Center
Publisher: Center for Christian Culturec Doshisha Archives Center and Center for Christian Culture○