Japanese

On September 20, Hiroshima University held the Autumn 2024 Commencement Ceremony at the Satake Memorial Hall on the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus.

On this day, degrees were awarded to a total of 312 students: 30 undergraduate students and 282 graduate students, including 211 international students. Three student representatives received their diplomas from President Ochi, and after the ceremony, those who obtained doctoral degrees were personally handed their diplomas by the president.

This year holds special significance as Hiroshima University celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding, and 150 years since the establishment of its oldest predecessor institution, the Hakushima School. Established in 1949, just four years after the atomic bombing that devastated its nine predecessor institutions, Hiroshima University has since grown to become a leading comprehensive research university in the Chugoku-Shikoku region.

On August 6, the day marking the anniversary of the atomic bombing, Hiroshima University hosted the inaugural University Presidents for Peace Conference, bringing together the presidents of ten universities from seven countries and regions. In his address at the conferral ceremony, President Ochi emphasized the university’s mission to foster individuals who can contribute to global peace. He stated, “In the future, we would like to give opportunities for many students and educators of the participating universities to visit Hiroshima and become witnesses to the reality of nuclear bombing.” He expressed his hope that graduates and alumni would “continue to pass on the knowledge and wisdom you have gained at our university to as many people as possible in your home countries and regions, contributing to lasting peace in the world.” Furthermore, he encouraged them by saying, “If you find yourself at a critical juncture or facing a new challenge, I am convinced that the knowledge, education and experience you have gained at Hiroshima University will help you. If you make full use of them and think for yourselves, rather than just accepting what others tell you, you will surely find a way forward.”

Following the president’s address, Xinya Zhu, from the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivered a farewell speech on behalf of the current student body. In response, Takahiro Onizuka, from the Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, offered words of gratitude on behalf of the graduates and alumni.

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

※ Photos from the event will also be available on Hiroshima University’s official social media platforms.