By Naonobu Nishimoto
This March, Professor Takashi Toyokuni reaches retirement age at Sapporo University, where he has taught for seven years. He was born in Muroran in 1935 and graduated from the Faculty of Letters, Hokkaido University in 1958. After teaching at high schools, he taught for many years at Otaru College of Commerce, and after retiring there at 63, he took a position as a professor in the English Department at Sapporo University, where he taught English Reading, the History of English Literature, English and American Literary Studies and a Seminar Class.
He looks so young, I can hardly imagine that he has reached 70. His tie is always wonderful and becoming on him, and he gives us an impression that he is careful about his appearance. He is gentle and his lectures are both lively and fluent. I remember the unique tone of his voice and his eloquent lectures in class. I interviewed him in his office on the eighth floor.
To my first question about the appeal of English and American literature, he told us of his father's big influence. "In my childhood, I found the Complete works of Shakespeare in my father's stack of books, and I often looked at the illustrations in them. Since my father was an English teacher, I may have been influenced by him." He wrote his graduation thesis on Oscar Wilde, and after that, he lost himself wholeheartedly in the British tradition and culture. "These days we can go to the library and watch the movies of 'King Lear' and 'Romeo and Juliet' on video. In these movies, however, the cultural contexts, customs or class discriminations in the Renaissance years are difficult for us, but these are much easier to understand when watching the movies than by reading the originals. So, I want you to explore in the world of English Literature." This is his message to us.
It is easy to guess this may be the reason he decided to become an English teacher, though in reality he seemed to choose the occupation from among various alternatives. "When I was a student, my hobby was oil painting and I am eager to become a painter. But partly because my father was English teacher, I was interested in teaching as a profession. And when I practiced teaching, I decided to be a teacher." he said.
Professor Toyokuni told me "While I was teaching students here, nothing bad happens. My seven years at SU have been nice and happy. SU students are flexible and friendly. I never felt any distance between students and teachers in their relationships and I was able to teach my seminar classes in a cozy atmosphere," he said.
I understand that the secret of Professor Toyokuni's physical and mental vigor can be found in his hobbies of traveling, oil painting or occasional karaoke singing. In the future, too, he would like to lead a life relating to English literature, and to travel around D. H. Lawrence's hometown, and visit art galleries and museums. These seem to be the breath of life to him, and I asked him about his plans after retirement. "In fact, although I reached retirement age this year, but I shall continue to teach as a part-time teacher, so I don't really feel that I am retiring. If I begin to feel my physical limitations and have to retire, then I would like to paint oils in earnest and make a journey without restrictions," he answered with smile. After all, I realize he is still young.
Finally, I asked Professor Toyokuni to give a message to us SU students. "I love Sapporo University students. You will become members of a society that will be sailing on rough seas, and I hope you will go into the society with the same good nature that you have shown as SU students. I would like you to be interested in and study not only English but various things including philosophy, psychology and the like. It may not assist you immediately, but I believe the day will surely come when such experiences and studies will be useful to you." We should respect in these words.
I took his class of History of English Literature this year. When we passed on the campus, he would offer his usual greeting. Sometimes I met him on the bus, and then I talked with him till we reached our destination. It is much more enjoyable to talk to him during this interview in his office. His conversation is meaningful, his smile is mild, and gentle personality made this interview successful. He will teach at SU as a part-time teacher for a few years more during which time I wish that he will continue to enjoy good health.