The Gakushūin (学習院), or Gakushuin School Corporation (学校法人学習院), historically known as the Peers' School,[1] is a Japanese educational institution in
Tokyo, originally established as Gakushūjo(学習所) to educate the children of
Japan's nobility.[2] The original school expanded from its original mandate of educating the social elite and has since become a network of institutions which encompasses
preschool through
tertiary-level education.
History
The Peers' School was founded in 1847 by
Emperor Ninkō in
Kyoto and placed under the administration of the
Imperial Household Agency.[3] Its purpose was to educate the children of the Imperial aristocracy (kuge).[4] Prior to the disestablishment of the
Peerage in 1947, commoners had restricted access to Gakushuin, with limited slots only to the Elementary School and Middle School.
In 1947, with the American-mandated disestablishment of the peerage system, enrollment in Gakushuin was fully opened to the general public. At the same time, administration of the school was transferred to the
Ministry of Education.
Precepts
Emperor Ninko had four
maxims inscribed on the walls of the Gakushūin building,[5] including
Walk in the paths trodden by the feet of the great sages.[5]
He that has not learned the sacred doctrines, how can he govern himself?[5]
He that is ignorant of the classics, how can he regulate his own conduct?[5]
The school was moved to Tokyo in 1877.[2] Its new purpose was to educate the children of the
modern aristocracy. Members of the Imperial Family continue to study at Gakushūin.