Message concerning the natural disaster that began on 11 March

(2011/3/16)

We pray for the safety of undergraduate and graduate students, those who have already graduated and those who are soon to join us, staff members and all those who have some connection with either the Faculty or the Graduate School. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to all those who have suffered from the effects of the earthquakes and tsunami.

Keio University itself, including both the Faculty of Economics and the Graduate School, has not suffered any damage. In view of factors such as transport, however,it is likely that for the time being classes and club and other activities will be cancelled; library and other services will also not be available. By contrast, the university administration, including the Office of Student Services, will function as normal. If you have suffered directly from the effects of the earthquakes and tsunami,or if you are either an overseas students or a visiting academic, please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Student Services for help of any kind.

During the difficult period that followed the Meiji Restoration of 1868, our founder, Yukichi Fukuzawa, placed his hopes on the contribution that young people with trained minds could make in extraordinary times, and called for them to create a new Japan. As a result of this terrible disaster, we too face great difficulties. We have confidence that if we combine together and summon the good sense and courage that our training has given us, we will be able to overcome the challenges that we are facing.

Masamichi Komuro, Dean of the Faculty of Economics
Shinsuke Nakamura, Chair of the Graduate School of Economics