In former times, Shimizudani was the elite school, and place of the cultivation of many an upper class young lady.

The early days of "The Meiji period (明治時代, Meiji jidai) (1868–1912 ; Japan started its modernization), Japan's "the girl's education" was a low level, insufficient at degree to give necessary "Sewing and Cooking" for real life.

What you should mention specially is Nagai Koji who started for its new post as a music department teacher.

Japanese Celebrities cooperated from the various fields to raise culture and the judgment of the Shimizudani's student and gave a lecture.

Including Ōkuma Shigenobu (the 8th and 17th Prime Minister of Japan) and Shibusawa Eiichi (known as the "father of Japanese capitalism"), more than 120 visit the Shimizudani just to win through up to a record of 20 years after foundation (Refer to the following chronological).

In addition, Prime minister Prince Kinmochi Saionji wrote to the Shimizudani's alumnus Hall "Saibikan" to show the thought of "the serious consideration to the girl education".