The first-round second-stage exams for national and public universities began today. 235,403 people applied to 169 universities nationwide; the ratio of applicants to places is 2.9. Students who sat the first Common Test for University Admissions took the challenge. In the pandemic, each university is requiring thorough infection controls, including masks and hand disinfection.
Not far from the Palaceside Building, a stele at Gakushikaikan marks “the birthplace of the University of Tokyo.” The inscription opens firmly: “The site of Gakushikaikan is the birthplace of the university in our country.” In 1877 (Meiji 10), Tokyo Kaisei School in Kanda-Nishikicho 3-chome and Tokyo Medical School, which had moved from Kanda-Izumicho to Hongo, merged to found the University of Tokyo.
Thinking of that long history, we wanted to send a cheer to everyone sitting the exams.