Tansei 12 - Sport at the University of Tokyo

Sport and the University of Tokyo

鈥淚nstead of being a fat pig, become a lean Socrates.鈥�

Instead of being a fat pig, become a powerful Socrates. Illustration: Jo Okada

These words were left to posterity 40 years ago by the 18th president of the University, Prof. Kazuo Okochi. These words also reflect the former president鈥檚 desire for University of Tokyo students to remain constantly questioning and inquisitive, and to never rest on their laurels, even after graduation.

However, Socrates himself was apparently a muscular man with a love of wrestling. It seems the philosophers of ancient Greece required a powerful physique in order to ponder the meaning of all things. If that is the case, it would perhaps be better to rephrase the words of Prof. Okochi.

鈥淚nstead of being a fat pig, become a powerful Socrates鈥� (by Prof. Senshi Fukashiro). In this edition we introduce the 鈥淪ocrates鈥� of the University of Tokyo, who epitomize the ideal of excellence in both academic studies and sporting prowess.