Emblem, University Anthem
Emblem
SIT has long been located in the Shibaura district on Tokyo Bay, and the smell of saltwater used to waft over the buildings near the sea where the students studied.
In 1949, an emblem was designed for SIT when it was officially recognized as a university. The emblem featured the Japanese word for “university” in large characters at the center, with waves underneath, representing the vitality that would enable SIT to take off and flourish in such an inspiring location.
The emblem is said to have been the result of collaboration between SIT’s first president, Shinta Matsunawa, and the senior executive manager, Genshu Miura.
In 1949, an emblem was designed for SIT when it was officially recognized as a university. The emblem featured the Japanese word for “university” in large characters at the center, with waves underneath, representing the vitality that would enable SIT to take off and flourish in such an inspiring location.
The emblem is said to have been the result of collaboration between SIT’s first president, Shinta Matsunawa, and the senior executive manager, Genshu Miura.
The Original SIT EmblemUniversity anthem
The History of the SIT Song
SIT’s official song was originally written as the school song for its predecessor, Tokyo Koto Kosho Gakko.The lyrics were written by Hakushu Kitahara (1885–1942), one of Japan’s leading poets. The music was composed by Kosaku Yamada (1886–1965), a Japanese music legend, who established symphony music and opera in Japan, composing many immortal masterpieces. It is an important work that continues to be sung today.
The song was completed in 1941, the year before Hakushu Kitahara passed away following five years spent struggling with illness. He wrote the poem that became the song’s lyrics himself, although he was battling disease and fighting for his sight at the time. As his spirit’s final refuge, the song represents a valuable piece of history.
About the lyrics
The lyrics consist of three stanzas, the contents of which are as follows: the first stanza, which begins with “Wind and waves glittering in the morning sun,” alludes to newly-enrolled students; the second stanza of “Passion and reason pulsing” refers to current undergraduates and graduate students; and the third stanza refers to students who, having finished their studies, are preparing to venture out into society.