At the First Higher School of Tokyo (Ichikou), there was a tradition called “Main Gate-ism” which dictates that one must pass through the Main Gate when entering or leaving the school. After Ichikou moved to Komaba, it took many years for the Main Gate to be completed. In spite of there being no actual gate to enter and exit through, students walked through this area to go to and from school. Entering the Campus from this location actually forced them to take the long way around to get to school, but the students did not complain. The whereabouts of the “First Higher School of Tokyo” nameplate attached to the gate had been unknown for over half a century since Ichikou was shut down. After a whirlwind of twists and turns, however, the sign was returned to the Campus right before the Komaba History Exhibition held in November 2004.
