Waseda University Students in Early 20th Century Japan

This photograph features students from Waseda University, one of Japans prestigious institutions, taken between 1915 and 1920. Waseda, founded in 1882, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and modern education, making it a symbol of Japans embrace of Western educational models during the Meiji Restoration. The students in the image represent a period of significant societal transformation in Japan, as the nation was transitioning into a modern era.

Captured using a glass negative, a prevalent technique at the time, this image serves as a valuable historical record of student life and academic culture in early 20th-century Japan. It reflects the dedication and ambition of young scholars who would go on to influence the country’s development, embodying the spirit of innovation and intellectual pursuit that Waseda University fosters.