October 9, 2010
Constructed in 1925, Kyoto University’s Alumni House was part of the commemorative programs to cerebrate the university’s 25 anniversary. The 80-year-old Rakuyu Kaikan had aged and become rather run down. Consequently, a renovation plan was devised under the title of “Kyoto University Rakuyu Kaikan Renewal Project.” The intention of the renovation was to create a multi-purpose space that could accommodate meetings for university teachers/graduates, welfare programs and various other training, while retaining its original structure . The house was re-opened on Friday, October 1, 2010.
On October 9 (Saturday), Kyoto University President Hiroshi Matsumoto and Executive Vice-President Yuzo Ohnishi erected a name sign at the entrance in the presence of university officials. The completion & unveiling ceremony was held thereafter in Rakuyu Kaikan’s conference/lecture room on the second floor. The ceremony was attended by some 70 officials from both within and outside the university, including former President Makoto Nagao and ex-president Kazuo Oike. At the beginning of the ceremony President Matsumoto gave a celebratory speech which was followed by a speech from former President Nagao. Then Executive Vice-President Ohnishi offered a detailed description of Rakuyu Kaikan’s renovation and Professor Emeritus Kazuo Iwai proposed a toast before the guests socialized.
Everyone who attended the ceremony enjoyed the opportunity to look around the house, and recall memories of the good old days.
 Exterior of Rakuyu Kaikan |  From left: Executive Vice-President Ohnishi. President Matsumoto – placing the name sign |
 President Matsumoto making a speech |  Former President Nagao making a speech |
 Honorary Professor Iwai proposing a toast |  Guests socializing |