Before the coming of modern, scientific insurance in the decade of the 1870's Japan had certain mutual aid organizations that reimbursed members for losses caused by accidents or paid a certain, fixed sum of money upon the death of a member. From the start of modern life insurance, based on knowledge and ideas brought in from western countries, the subject of insurance has been taught in the schools, particularly the universities. This teaching has played an important role in the development of the insurance business in Japan. Keio University was founded in 1858. Here and at other universities where commerce and economics were taught intensively, insurance became the major subject for many students who, after graduation, became teachers in commercial schools or colleges throughout Japan. These schools have contributed much to the advancement of insurance knowledge. At present, we have 270 universities in Japan, both public and private, having altogether 178 faculties (schools) of commerce, economics, and business administration. In addition we have some special courses in insurance for graduate students. In more than half of these schools, the general principles of marine, fire, life, and social insurance are taught. However, inasmuch as these are not required courses, there are no accurate figures on the number of students who take them or major in them. It is possible,