About
Located in the center of Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, on the banks of the Watarase River, Ashikaga School is known as Japan’s oldest school. There are various theories about its founding: some say it is a remnant of the provincial schools from the Nara period, others attribute its establishment to Ono no Takamura in the early Heian period, or to Ashikaga Yoshikane in the early Kamakura period. However, it is only from the mid-Muromachi period onward that the school clearly appears on the stage of history. Kantō Kanrei Uesugi Norizane improved the school, donated valuable books, and invited the Zen monk Kaigen as the first headmaster, thus laying the foundation for the school as a center of learning. (city.ashikaga.tochigi.jp)
Upon entering the grounds of Ashikaga School, the first thing that catches your eye is the “Nyūtoku-mon” gate. Passing through this gate, you are enveloped in a sacred academic atmosphere along with a sense of tranquility. Proceeding further, you will find the “Confucius Shrine,” where Confucius is enshrined. This Taiseiden Hall, built in 1668, is a precious structure as the oldest existing Confucius shrine in Japan. (tokitabi.blog)
Within the grounds, buildings such as the “Hōjō” (lecture hall), “Kuri” (kitchen and living quarters), and “Shoin” (study) have been restored, allowing visitors to sense the presence of students from the past. In the Hōjō, low desks are lined up on tatami mats, evoking scenes of lectures from those days. The Kuri recreates daily living spaces, offering a glimpse into the students’ everyday lives. (tokitabi.blog)
At Ashikaga School, the traditional event “Sekiten,” a ceremony honoring Confucius, is held every year on November 23. During this ritual, offerings are placed before a statue of Confucius, and the ceremony proceeds solemnly to the accompaniment of gagaku (ancient court music). In autumn, the “Bakusho” event is held, where valuable books are aired out to protect them from insects, continuing this traditional practice to this day. (www3.nhk.or.jp)
In 2015, Ashikaga School was recognized as a Japan Heritage site as part of the “Heritage of Early Modern Japanese Education—The Origins of the Spirit of Learning and Etiquette.” This recognition indicates that Ashikaga School continues to convey the spirit of valuing scholarship and etiquette as the origin of Japanese education. (city.ashikaga.tochigi.jp)
Visiting this site, you can truly feel the weight of history and the enduring passion for learning that has been handed down through the ages. Ashikaga School continues to fascinate many people as a bridge of knowledge connecting the past, present, and future.