東京大学創設期の体育

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the systems of physical education practiced in the early period after the establishment of the University of Tokyo. The results may be summarized as follows : 1) In 1877, the School of Medicine at the University of Tokyo planned to install gymnastic apparatuses at Hongo Campus to be shared with the Sangakubu (Three Schools of Law, Science and Literature). 2) In October of 1877 the Ministry of Education asked the Sangakubu and Medical School to give their views about the proposed invitation of a foreign teacher to give gymnastics instruction at some governmental schools. While the Medical School recognized gymnastics as a required subject, the Sanngakubu considered that students would become unduly exhausted if rigid gymnastics practice were a required subject, and that this would disturb their study. 3) The centralization of research and instruction in physical education under the Taiso-denshujyo (Normal School of Gymnastics) was intended to suspend the function of the University in order to develop physical education. 4) At first, only dormitory students went to the Taiso-denshujyo to take gym classes, but later, commuting students also did so. Gym classes for the Medical School at Hongo were started only later. 5) In March 1881, the Ministry of Education asked the University to make gymnastics a required subject, and the University replied that they would prefer it to be elective, and mainly for dormitory students. In December 1883, the Ministry again made the same request, and this time the University was obliged to agree, and military drill was adopted. 6) In 1878, the University instituted an annual summer swimming program in the Sumida River under an instructor. Kenjutsu (traditional fencing) instructors were also employed. It may be concluded that in these measures the University intended to train students in traditional martial arts as well as gymnastics and western sports.