Opening Act Video (University Song by the a cappella circle)

The 14th Hiroshima University Homecoming Day was held on November 7, 2020. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the annual program was changed for this year. Unfortunately, it was raining, but people were seen here and there on campus rejoicing over their reunion after a long interval. It became a lively day as alumni and people from the local community gathered and enjoyed the unique projects and food fairs arranged by each faculty and graduate school. For the first time, Online Homecoming Day was also held concurrently, and alumni and parents who live far away from the university were able to join in the event.

• Click here for the Online Homecoming Day special webpage (in Japanese)

The opening ceremony, held in the Satake Memorial Hall, included a video introduction of the university, the President's Commendation, and a lecture by biologist Dr. Shinichi Fukuoka. Mr. Fukuoka explained how he became fascinated with the world of living organisms when he observed them under a microscope given to him by his parents when he was a child, and how he had reached the idea of "the dynamic equilibrium view of life" through his research as a molecular biologist. He appealed, "viruses, including the novel coronavirus, are constantly changing and will never be fully eradicated from our world. However, at the same time, the human body is also adapting in response to these changes. I would like to ask you to understand nature correctly and not be too afraid of it." The lecture was also streamed live on YouTube.

Additionally, the parents and families of first- and second-year undergraduate students were invited to attend the Hiroshima University Community Conference where about 200 people listened attentively to a speech by the president of the university, as well as explanations on student life, study abroad, and career paths, and lectures by university graduates and post-graduate students. In the information exchange session that followed, active exchanges of ideas took place between the participants, university staff, and students.

Specialties and popular gourmet foods from cities and towns in Hiroshima Prefecture that have concluded a partnership agreement with the university gathered in front of the main venue. By lunchtime, a lengthy queue had formed at the food stalls. Student performances on the stage livened up the event.

Besides this, research facilities and museums were open to the public, and there were also exhibitions and projects organized by each faculty, as well as events to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the School of Engineering. We would like to thank all of you for coming to this event.

Please join us for Homecoming Day held on November 14 (Sat.) at the Kasumi Campus and November 21 (Sat.) at the Higashi-Senda Campus.