Old Kochi High School was founded in 1923 in Kozu, north of Kochi Castle, under the old school system as an equivalent to the liberal arts schools of today's Imperial Universities and Medical Colleges.
Students came from all over the country to enjoy the nature and free spirits of Tosa.
The school's motto, " A life without passion is vacant.", helped to create a unique school culture.
At the time of the school's opening, the school song was selected from more than a dozen lyrics submitted by the students.
The selected lyrics were written by Masashi Matsuno (the first student from the former Aki Junior High School in Muroto) and the music was composed by Ryutaro Hirota (born in Aki City), a professor at the Tokyo College of Music.
Ryutaro Hirota (1892-1952) was a successful composer of children's songs, during the Taisho (1912-1926) and Showa (1926–1989) periods.
His best-known songs include "Shoe-gataru", "Haru yo koi", "Hamachidori" and "Chikumagawa Tabijo no Uta".
The Old Kochi High School was founded in 1922 and abolished in 1950.
Today the school is a kindergarten, primary and junior high school attached to the Faculty of Education of Kochi University.
1.
The perpetual sound of the waves of the southern sea breaking under the sky of freedom.
Land of everlasting summer!
The vigorous blood of the Land of Takeyoriwake (the mythical name of Kochi) never ceases flowing.
2.
Originality and enterprise is our guiding light.
The future is indeed our sphere of action.
Shining eyes.
What is the revelation?
Our ideal is the grasp of the truth.
3.
In a world of chaos where ideas clash
In a resonant voice, cry "Come on! Let's fight for our country. Under the banner of the moon over Katsurahama"
4.
Let's cry for justice and awake to true love.
Let's advance imprinting the footsteps of patriots on the earth.
5.
An overflowing vigor. Hidden hopes. The vow is solemn.
Look at the gleaming tiled roofs close by an old castle!
Kochi, Kochi, Oh, our alma mater!
