Inherited Memorial Rites and Thoughts for Peace: Toshiaki Kuriyama Appointed Head of Meiji University Alumni Association Niigata Prefecture Branch

Toshiaki Kuriyama, Representative Director of Kuriyama Beika Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture), has been appointed Head of the Meiji University Alumni Association Niigata Prefecture Branch.

The Niigata Gokoku Shrine houses the "Meiji University Fallen Students Chureiden" (Hall of Spirits), which enshrines the souls of 323 Meiji University students who died in the war. The Alumni Association Niigata Prefecture Branch holds a memorial service every year on July 10th.

With this appointment, we aim to pass on the memorial rites for fallen students and thoughts for peace, which have been inherited for many years, to the future, and to convey their history and significance to more people.

A Place of Remembrance Still Inherited Today

The Meiji University Fallen Students Chureiden was built to commemorate the souls of Meiji University students who died in the war. Initially, it was housed in the old library on the Surugadai Campus. It was dismantled in 1950 (Showa 25) and moved to the Niigata Gokoku Shrine. Since its reconstruction in 1955 (Showa 30), memorial services have been held annually, primarily by the Niigata Prefecture Branch.

This history continues to be passed down. In April 2026, a volunteer group continuing bone collection activities in Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture, discovered a button with a school emblem, believed to belong to a Meiji University student who died in the Battle of Okinawa, along with human remains. The discoverer learned that the "Meiji University Fallen Students Chureiden" was established at Niigata Gokoku Shrine and visited Niigata with the desire to "commemorate the soul of the button's owner and report to the Meiji University fallen students resting in the Chureiden." A memorial service was held at the Chureiden.

Details: https://niigata.meiji-shikon.net/news/5858/

(From the Meiji University Alumni Association Niigata Prefecture Branch website)

Inheriting this history and sentiment, this year again, on July 10th, the "Meiji University Fallen Students Chureiden Memorial Service," organized by Meiji University, will be held at Niigata Gokoku Shrine. The Chairman of Meiji University, university officials, and alumni association representatives will attend to pay tribute to the fallen students and renew their wishes for lasting peace.

Following his appointment as Head of the Meiji University Alumni Association Niigata Prefecture Branch, Toshiaki Kuriyama will attend the memorial service for the first time, inheriting the history and traditions of the branch while conveying thoughts of remembrance and peace to the next generation.

Comment from Toshiaki Kuriyama, Representative Director, Kuriyama Beika Co., Ltd.

I graduated from Meiji University in 1982. My father was involved in alumni association activities, so I had little interest and lived away from Niigata. Five years ago, I returned to Niigata, joined the alumni association, and learned about the Chureiden.

I had thought it only enshrined those from Niigata Prefecture, but I was surprised to learn it was for all Meiji University war dead, and that it has been in place since 1955. I was also surprised that the Chairman of Meiji University and other related parties gather every year on July 10th to hold a memorial service. This year, I will be responsible for the memorial service for the first time.

Company Profile

Company Name: Kuriyama Beika Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: 2661 Shinzaki, Kita Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture

Representative: Taiga Kuriyama, Representative Director and President

Established: February 5, 1949

Number of Employees: Approximately 750 (50% male, 50% female)

Business Activities: Manufacturing and sales of rice crackers

Main Products: "Baka-uke," "Seto Shio," "Hoshi Tabeyo," etc.

What is the Corporate Brand "Befco"?

"Befco" is a brand name derived from the initial letters of Beika (rice crackers), Frontier, and Company. We aim to be a brand loved worldwide by creating "fun," "deliciousness," and "newness" that go beyond the realm of rice crackers.

Business Activities

A confectionery manufacturer that produces and sells rice crackers such as "Baka-uke," "Seto Shio," and "Hoshi Tabeyo."

With the theme of "fun, delicious, and new," we are challenging ourselves to provide new value in line with the times, starting with our long-selling products. While cherishing tradition, we continue to propose new ways to enjoy food.

Other Company Data (Fiscal Year 2025)

Sales: 28.2 billion yen

Average Age: 37 years old

Average Length of Service: Approximately 15 years

Childcare Leave Acquisition Rate: 100% for women, 100% for men (ongoing since FY2023)

* Kuriyama Beika in Numbers website: https://recruit.befco.jp/data/

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Profile of Representative Director and President

Taiga Kuriyama

Date of Birth: April 30, 1994 (32 years old)

Graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Seikei University. After working at Heiwado Co., Ltd., he joined Kuriyama Beika in 2020. Appointed Representative Director and President in April 2025. Leading the next generation of management.

<Official Website>

Top Page: https://www.befco.jp/

Befco Online Shop: https://befco-shop.jp/

Recruitment Site: https://recruit.befco.jp/

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