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Fukuzawa Yukichi Memorial ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ History Museum 2026 Spring Special Exhibition on the 125th Anniversary of Fukuzawa Yukichi¡¯s Death: Fukuzawa¡¯s Final Chapter: The Ongoing Pursuit of ¡°Independence¡± (June 18¨CAugust 29)

What did Fukuzawa wish to leave behind in his final years? Is it still with us today?

Published: June 08, 2026
Office of Communications and Public Relations

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¡°Turn the World Upside Down¡±

Fukuzawa Yukichi died exactly 125 years ago, on February 3, 1901. To commemorate this occasion, the Fukuzawa Yukichi Memorial ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ History Museum will hold a special exhibition revisiting his final days.? ? ??

When did Fukuzawa begin to acknowledge his advancing age? A close reading of his later writings and speeches reveals a growing awareness of the next generation. In one address, he described feeling ¡°infinite anguish¡± as he pondered whether the pursuit of ¡°civilization¡± would continue after his death. In another, he urged people to keep ¡°turning the world upside down¡± until the very end. It was one year before his death that the phrase dokuritsu jison, or independence and self-respect, came to be clearly established as an expression of Fukuzawa¡¯s spirit. Detailed records also remain of his struggle following a stroke, as well as the events leading to his passing.? ? ??

Through a wealth of materials from his final years, this exhibition considers what Fukuzawa most wished to leave behind and whether his aspirations were ultimately realized.

Dates: June 18 (Thurs.)¨C August 29 (Sat.), 2026

Closed: Sundays, public holidays, June 24 (Wed.), and July 22 (Wed.)

Also closed for the summer break: August 10 (Mon.)¨CAugust 17 (Mon.)

Venue: Old University Library 2nd Floor, ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ History Museum, Special Exhibition Room

Location: ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ History Museum Temporary Exhibition Room, Old University Library (2F)

Museum hours: 10:00¨C18:00 (last entry 17:30)

Admission: Free and open to the public

Exhibition page: ¡¡(available in Japanese)

*Please check the museum¡¯s website for the latest information:

For further information, please refer to the following PDF file.

Press Release (PDF)