Today it is my great honor to present degrees to 14 students from Hiroshima University. As the head of Hiroshima University I would like to congratulate each and every one of you.

I hope that the diligent hard work you have each given to receive this degree will add brilliance and tremendous support to your future life. I believe that your excellent achievements will be the basis of the knowledge-based society in the 21st century and a cornerstone of progress in academic research.

Globalization of human society is progressing quickly, and the economic and social environment is changing rapidly. I think that this kind of change will continue, even accelerate, and increase the complexity and diversity of our society. Facing these violent changes of environment each of you have to fulfill your duty as a member of society and to contribute to the world.

Human society developed rapidly through the progress of academic research, but there are many new problems such as food and energy shortages, environmental pollution and destruction and terrorism. Human society in the 21st century has to solve these issues by encouraging diversity and fostering global human resources for the purpose of creating a society based on new values. Therefore, we have to deepen international understanding and build a structure of international peace with “coexistence” as the keyword. I think that men in the 21st century should have breadth of mind, care for others and aspire for a new future society full of hope. The future is up to you!

I pray that those who accomplished high level academic research at Hiroshima University will be able to take advantage of your acquired skills,  grow as personalities and members of society, and become promising manpower capable to support the global and local community and to play an important role building a bright, future society.

Once again, congratulations on your graduation and best luck for the future.

January 18th, 2011

Toshimasa Asahara
President
Hiroshima University