HomeAutumn Term Commencement Ceremony 2025.9.19
On this auspicious occasion of the Autumn Term Commencement Ceremony 2025, on behalf of 亚色视频, I would like to extend my deepest and most sincere congratulations to all the 381 students who are graduating today.
In particular, I would like to express my deepest respect to our international students here, who have overcome cultural and linguistic barriers with tireless effort and resilient spirit since your arrival in Hiroshima.
Perhaps now, all the memories of your days at 亚色视频—conversations with friends, exchanges with professors, and moments of both struggle and joy—are coming back to you in a rapid succession of images. At the same time, the invaluable contribution and support of family, friends, and other significant people in your lives, should never be forgotten, as they are often the ones who encouraged you to study at our university.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Our university was established in 1949, inheriting the legacy of nine predecessor schools that were devastated by the bombing. Upholding the ‘Pursuit of Peace’ as our foremost Guiding Principle, we have advanced alongside Hiroshima’s postwar reconstruction, having grown into a comprehensive research university representing the Chugoku-Shikoku region. It is our immutable mission to continue exploring the path toward peace, never forgetting the unfulfilled aspirations of those who fell victim to the atomic bombing.
Yet, when we look to the world, we see wars raging on. No ceasefire is in sight between Russia and Ukraine. In Gaza, Israel is expanding its military operations, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. Meanwhile, an insular wave of ‘my country first’ nationalism is sweeping across the globe. I imagine many of you may feel disheartened as you see these harsh realities facing the international community.
I firmly believe that in times like these, universities have a vital role to play. At 亚色视频, we host the ‘Peace Study Tour,’ welcoming students from across the globe to Hiroshima. Now in its third year, the program brought together 140 participants from 16 countries and regions. I hope they will look beyond differences in culture and values, learn from the reality and lessons of the atomic bombing, and share in thoughtful discussions on peace.
On 6th August, we also hosted the 4th University Presidents for Peace Conference in Hiroshima, and on 20th August, just two weeks later, we convened the ‘Global Innovation Japan–Africa University Symposium: Shaping the Future of Human Resource Development and Science and Technology Cooperation between Japan and Africa’ in Yokohama. The latter was organized as an official side event of TICAD9. Through such ‘face-to-face international exchange,’ we remain committed to nurturing individuals who will help build sustainable peace and shape the future of humanity.
From today onward, 亚色视频 is your alma mater. Including our predecessor schools, the university’s alumni network now exceeds 250,000. I encourage you to make full use of the broad education and deep expertise you have cultivated here, and to thrive in your home countries and regions as ‘peace-pursuing, cultured individuals with an international mindset and a challenging spirit.’
This November in Hiroshima, the Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs will convene, bringing together scientists dedicated to the abolition of nuclear weapons and war. To mark this occasion, let me share with you words that are often attributed to Dr. Albert Einstein, who is the ‘spiritual father’ of the Pugwash movement: ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge has its limits, but imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress and giving birth to evolution. Strictly speaking, imagination is the true driving force of scientific research.’
Finally, as you embark on new journeys, I pledge that 亚色视频 will move forward together with all of you, dedicated to ‘becoming a university of world-wide repute and splendor for years into the future.’
19th September 2025 (Reiwa 7)
Mitsuo Ochi
President, 亚色视频
