Japanese

Hiroshima University (HU) welcomed 389 new students at its 2026 Autumn Term Entrance Ceremony on October 1. 

The event was held at the Satake Memorial Hall on the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus. 

In his ceremonial address, President Mitsuo Ochi warmly congratulated the new students on their admission and expressed his gratitude to their families and others who have supported them. Although the new students appeared somewhat nervous, they listened attentively as he welcomed them to Hiroshima University. He also reflected on his own experience studying abroad and, acknowledging that international students may feel anxious about living in an unfamiliar place, said, “The faculty and staff of Hiroshima University are fully committed to supporting you so that you can pursue your studies with confidence and take on new challenges.” 

President Ochi went on to recount the history of the university, noting that many lives were lost at the university’s predecessor schools due to the atomic bombing, and that Hiroshima University was founded four years later. He called on each new student to take to heart the spirit of “the pursuit of peace,” a guiding principle that has been passed down since the university’s founding. 

He then introduced the university’s initiatives, including its global learning environment, which brings together 1,933 international students from 92 countries and regions worldwide, as well as the University of Idaho Hiroshima Campus, which opened this past August, and expressed the university's commitment to fostering an environment where students from diverse backgrounds can learn together. 

Addressing the global situation marked by ongoing wars and the rapid advancement of science and technology—including AI—President Ochi urged students to hone their expertise and acquire a broad and well-rounded education, especially in these times. Citing the words of the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne, he went on to state that the essence of learning lies not simply in accumulating knowledge, but in developing the ability to think and make judgments for oneself. “In this open and vibrant community of learning, I encourage you always to keep asking ‘Why?’” he concluded, offering words of encouragement to the new students as they embark on their academic journey. 

After the ceremony, new students could be seen socializing around the venue. With their individual goals in mind, they took their first steps at Hiroshima University.

Full text of the President’s speech (English version available here)

Following the entrance ceremony, the “Hiroshima University 3+1 Program” held its own opening ceremony at the School of Education lecture hall, welcoming 87 new students as Special Auditing Students. 

About the Hiroshima University 3+1 Program

The “Hiroshima University 3+1 Program” is an initiative that accepts international students who have completed their second or third year at their home universities as Special Auditing Students. During the program, these students receive specialized education and guidance on their graduation thesis, which they submit to their home universities. 

*More photos from the event will be available on Hiroshima University’s official social media channels.