Today I would like to give my deepest congratulations to all of the graduating students of Hiroshima University.I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations on the celebration of this year’s ceremony on behalf of Hiroshima University.

Human society is changing more drastically and more rapidly than ever. The surge of zeal for democracy in the Middle East and North Africa takes the precious lives of many citizens and they are still suffering as they push their way along an uncharted path. There is also a constant threat of chemical weapons and terror. In Japan, despite residents’ expectations, reconstruction from the damages of the Great East Japan Earthquake and restoration after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident are making little progress and we need to feel shame for this situation. Concerning us this year, we experienced the hottest summer ever on record, repeatedly occurring intense rainfall, tornados, and other such effects of global warming.

On the other hand, academic research is progressing rapidly and the development of new, earth-friendly energies which are expected to replace fossil or nuclear energy are said to have accelerated. Furthermore, next year in a critical first step for regenerative medicine, there are plans to apply iPS Cells to clinical settings in order to cure age-related maculopathy. Also development on a “microwave rocket” as future novel energy source for “Hayabusa” and a “space elevator” is progressing. We place increasing expectations on science.

You spent your campus life at Hiroshima University and made many new and precious experiences in a social environment like this. All of you were able to leave your individual footprints in the history of this university and your achievements will forever live on in our records.
The globalization of humanity is progressing and society is rapidly growing into a borderless world. Accordingly, international exchange is becoming a normal part of life. The social environment has drastically changed and society itself has become difficult to predict. All of you, who graduate from this university today, must face the challenge of these social and environmental changes and act as members of a global society. That means that human resources who are able to play an active role in an increasingly globalized society are required. Hiroshima University predicts such changes in social environment and is advancing efforts towards cultivation of global human resources. Our university enriches the education of liberal arts with the intention of fostering manpower with a broad vision. I hope that studying abroad and experiencing different cultures will help you seek high ideals and have the courage to be fearless in the face of failure.

I wish for you to cultivate your basic skills as members of society, have tolerance for accepting different attitudes and cultures and grow into personalities who are able to solve the various issues of our society.
I believe that you will all continue to seek the high ideals of contributing to humanity, have the courage to not fear failure and that you will be aware of your duties as members of society and never forget compassion for others. Whatever difficulties might come your way in the future, I wish that each of you will grow into a strong personality, able to overcome all obstacles with the strength of your own mind and sense of responsibility without forgetting your pride as graduates of Hiroshima University. Treasure the relationships you built during your student life at Hiroshima University and live with a strong sense of fulfillment, promoting ties between the local and global society and cultivating a spirit of mutual support.

As you embark on new chapters in your lives, I pray that the roads ahead lead to bright futures, filled with promise and hope. Congratulations.

September 25, 2013

Toshimasa Asahara
President, Hiroshima University