Renjuku, Private school from Edo period in Kannabe, Fukuyama, Japan
Renjuku is a private school from the Edo period located near the Takaya River in Kannabe, Fukuyama, and comprises several distinct buildings. The site contains lecture halls where classes were held, dormitories for students, and the original residence where the founder lived.
The school was founded in 1775 by Confucian scholar Sazan Kan and remained active until 1872. It closed when Japan transitioned to its modern educational system.
The school welcomed students from all social classes, including samurai, medical practitioners, monks, merchants, and farmers, who studied Neo-Confucianism and Chinese texts together. This diverse student body was unusual for its time and reflects the openness of the institution.
The site is reachable on foot, lying about 15 minutes walk from Kannabe Station on the JR West Fukuen Line. The location near public transport makes it easy to access by train.
Students could offset their tuition costs by performing housework duties, as annual fees were higher than typical servant wages. This arrangement allowed people without substantial means to receive advanced education.
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