- ALL
Rob Anderson, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan, Visited Tekijuku
On August 21, 2026, Rob Anderson, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan, visited Tekijuku. The visit began with welcoming remarks from Professor KAWAHARA Genta, Director of Museum Links, followed by an introduction to Tekijuku by Associate Professor MATSUNAGA Kazuhiro, Vice Director of the Tekijuku Commemoration Center. He then guided the delegation through the facility.
Tekijuku was founded in 1838 by OGATA Koan (1810–1863), who was respected as a leading doctor of Western medicine. At Tekijuku, Western medical research was pursued, achieving a number of great medical accomplishments, including a smallpox vaccination program and treatment for cholera. Moreover, from the closing days of the Tokugawa shogunate to the Meiji Restoration, Tekijuku produced many distinguished individuals who contributed to the formation of Japan as a modern state.
Mr. Anderson viewed the exhibits with great interest and gained a deeper understanding of the history of Tekijuku and its achievements.
UOsaka will continue to promote the historical value of Tekijuku and the spirit of OGATA Koan to a wider audience, while passing on their significance to future generations.
Mr. Anderson receives an overview of Tekijuku (second from left)
Mr. Anderson viewing the exhibits (Second from right)