School Introduction History
Prince Saionji Kinmochi & Ritsumeikan
In 1869, the founder of the school, Prince Saionji Kinmochi, founded "Ritsumeikan" as a private academy on the site of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Many young people from all over Japan with dreams of building a new era gathered at this private school and engaged in lively discussions. However, the appearance of these young people was regarded as a disturbing trend, and "Ritsumeikan" was ordered closed by the Kyoto Prefectural Government. Prince Saionji, who was in Nagasaki at the time preparing to study abroad, left Japan in disappointment and went to France. After about 10 years of study, Prince Saionji returned to Japan greatly influenced by French ideas of democracy, liberalism, and internationalism.
From Seiwa Regular School to Ritsumeikan Junior High School
In 1900, Kojuro Nakagawa, the former secretary of Prince Saionji during his time as the Minister of Education, began his career as a politician after completing his studies in France. In 1900, he founded the Kyoto Hosei School, an evening law school for working young people to study law and politics. In 1905, he established the predecessor of Ritsumeikan Junior and Senior High School, Seiwa Regular School.
Kojuro Nakagawa asked Prince Saionji for permission to have the school adopt the name “Ritsumeikan” and, after receiving his approval, the schools adopted the names Ritsumeikan University and Ritsumeikan Junior High School.
School History
Kojuro Nakagawa established “Kyoto Hosei School”.
Ritsumeikan High School is founded as “Seiwa Regular School”.
Ritsumeikan is established and “Seiwa Regular School” is renamed “Ritsumeikan Junior High School”.
Relocation to the Kitaōji campus is completed.
Co-educational system introduced; school size expanded.
Relocation of campus to Fukakusa
First Canada Exchange Program delegation dispatched.
Started training program for junior high school students in New Zealand.
Senior High School is designated as a "Super Science High School Research and Development School" by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
Rits Super Science Fair (RSSF) held for the first time.
Super Science Course is established.
Started training program for junior high school students in Adelaide, Australia.
Hosted the 10th National Affiliated School Summit.
Ritsumeikan Primary School is established.
Established the Advanced Course (currently AL) in the junior high school and the Medical Science Course (currently MS) in the senior high school
Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) held for the first time (The 9th RSSF)
Senior High School is designated as a “Super Global High School (SGH)” by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (until 2019).
Goodbye Fukakusa Campus.
Relocation of campus to Nagaokakyo.
Rits Super Global Fair (RSGF) held for the first time.
Junior High School courses changed to CL (Creative Learning) and AL (Advanced Learning).
Ground 3 renovation.
Start of 5-day school week and Saturday Box
The 20th Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) is held.
120th anniversary of the school’s establishment.