TOKYOOctober 7 (News On Japan) – The iconic Red Gate of the University of Tokyo, which has long been a symbol for prospective students to pass through, has remained closed for the past three years, leaving many students unable to pass through to walk.
The gate has become known as an important landmark for students wishing to pass the university entrance exams. However, the reality is that the Red Gate has been closed for three years now, meaning that even current students who have passed the exams can no longer experience it.
When visiting the site, broadcaster Minoru Aoi found the Red Gate closed, with ‘No Entry’ signs prominently displayed. Curious about the students’ opinions on this situation, he conducted interviews with several people.
When asked if they had ever passed through the Red Gate, a graduate student replied, “I came to Todai as a graduate student, so I’ve never seen it open.” When asked what the Red Gate represents to Todai students, the student described it as “a mascot or symbol.” The student expressed a desire to see the gate open at least once: โI would like to see it open once.โ
Another student, reflecting on the timing of their entry during the COVID-19 pandemic, also said they had never seen the Red Gate open. When asked if they wanted to walk through it, they replied: “I used to have that urge, but not anymore.” Another added: “I went to see it once but it made me a bit sad.”
The historical significance of the Red Gate dates back to the Edo period, when the area was the Edo residence of the Maeda family, rulers of the Kaga domain. It was officially called the former Kaga Residence Guard House Gate and was built in 1827, almost 200 years ago. Despite surviving the Meiji Restoration, the Great Kantล earthquake, and air raids during World War II, the gate was designated a National Treasure in 1931 and is now recognized as an important cultural asset.
The closure of the gate is due to concerns about seismic resistance. Experts who examined the structure of the roof tiles found that the gate could collapse in a major earthquake or strong winds. The University of Tokyo plans to keep the gate closed until it can ensure seismic safety, with the aim of reopening it in three years to coincide with the university’s 150th anniversary.
However, students are currently more concerned about another issue: tuition increases. In 2025, the University of Tokyo announced that it would increase annual tuition by approximately 110,000 yen, bringing the total to 642,960 yen. Although tuition remains unchanged for current students, the news has sparked protests. One student noted: “There will certainly be people affected by the increase. Although there were opportunities for dialogue, there was not enough widespread communication afterwards, creating trust issues.”
The university plans to improve the educational environment with the increase in tuition fees, expanding the possibility of tuition waiver from households with an annual income of up to 4 million yen to households with an income of up to 6 million yen. In addition, partial exemptions will be offered to families with incomes up to 9 million yen, depending on their circumstances.
Source: FNN
