The Mita Enzetsukai (Mita Oratory Association) was a Japanese society dedicated to the teaching of oratory techniques, Western rhetoric, and public speaking.
During the Meiji period, parliamentary reforms led to a more debate-centred form of politics in Japan. In response to the need to produce politicians skilled in oration, Yukichi Fukuzawa, the founder of Keio University, started the Mita Enzetsukai in 1873; it provided training in Japanese-language debate based on Western principles.[1][2] At first, the society met at the homes of its members, but in 1875 Fukuzawa arranged construction of a permanent meeting hall, located on the grounds of Keio University. The building cost ¥2000 and had seating capacity of 400 (now approximately 140).[3]
References
edit- ^ Suzuki, Takeshi (June 22, 2008). "Japanese argumentation: vocabulary and culture". Argumentation and Advocacy.[dead link]
- ^ Jack E. Rogers (1 February 2002). Transforming Debate: The Best of The International Journal of Forensics. IDEA. p. 52. ISBN 978-0-9702130-1-3. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
- ^ Hiroshi Watanabe (2001). The Architecture of Tôkyô: An Architectural History in 571 Individual Presentations. Edition Axel Menges. p. 62. ISBN 978-3-930698-93-6. Retrieved 25 May 2012.
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