Inside Kyoto university’s Yoshida dorm: a rare look inside a student-run space of free thought

Science fiction writer Kenrei Miyanishi pets a cat inside Kyoto University’s student-run Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

A student plays piano in the dining hall at Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 3, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Dormitory resident Rintaro Yoshida stands beside a protest sign outside Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Graffiti reading “Self governance must be preserved! No to dorm closure!” on a corridor wall at Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 3, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Dormitory resident Naoki Mizuno poses on the stairs of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

TOPSHOT - A dormitory resident plays with a generator kit in the entrance area of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 3, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

(L-R) dormitory residents Rintaro Yoshida, Harumitsu Harada, Naoki Mizuno and Megumi Itaya pose on the balcony of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

The entrance of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 3, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Exterior view of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory, a student-run residence known for independent thinking. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Dormitory resident Koki Marumoto plays a drum in the dining hall at Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

A dormitory resident burns garbage outside Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 3, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Dormitory resident Megumi Itaya poses in the hallway at Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

The hallway of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 4, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

A dormitory resident plays with a generator kit in the entrance area of Kyoto University’s Yoshida Dormitory. February, 3, 2026, Kyoto University Yoshida Dormitory, Kyoto, Japan (AFP)

Source: AFP

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