On March 23rd, 2018, the 2017 Hiroshima University Degree Conferment Ceremony was held at the Higashi-Hiroshima Sports Park for a total of 3,722 new graduates (2,419 undergraduate students, 17 Special Course students, and 1,286 graduate students.) They received their diploma from President Ochi at the ceremony.

In his ceremony speech, President Ochi congratulated the graduates, “ When society encounters unknown challenges never previously experienced, well informed and cultured knowledge is essential, to enables you to think with your head in the search for a solution. Continued attainment of such knowledge is a lifelong endeavour. Interestingly, real knowledge enhancement begins after graduating from university. While maintaining your interests in many things in your life, I do hope that you continue to enrich your worldly knowledge for the rest of your life.”