* December 6, 2024: A highlights video has been added.

This year, Hiroshima University proudly celebrates its 150th anniversary, marking 75 years since its founding in 1949 and 75 years since the establishment of its oldest predecessor institution, the Hakushima School. 

Since 2007, the Alumni Association has hosted the Hiroshima University Homecoming Day on the first Saturday of November at the Higashi-Hiroshima Campus. This year, the festivities expanded to two days—November 2 and 3—as part of the "Hiroshima University 75+75th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony and Events." 

The University Festival also took place during this time. Despite heavy rain on the first day, a large number of graduates, former faculty members, and local residents gathered, creating a vibrant atmosphere on campus.

• Visit the special Homecoming Day website here (in Japanese)
• Watch the commemorative video presented during the ceremony here (in Japanese)

The two-day event began with a commemorative ceremony, including a commemorative video presentation and chorus of the university song, at the Satake Memorial Hall. Attendees included former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Gakuji Ito, Director-General of the Higher Education Bureau of the country's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. In his address, Hiroshima University President Mitsuo Ochi expressed gratitude to the university’s supporters—alumni, citizens, businesses, and government—stating, “We will continue to challenge ourselves to be a ‘University of World-Wide Repute and Splendor for Years into the Future.’ I hope you enjoy today.” Following the President’s Award, the Integrated Report 2024 was presented, highlighting Hiroshima University’s recent initiatives, as shared annually at the Homecoming Day since two years ago.

The commemorative lecture featured two distinguished speakers: author Masaru Sato, a former senior analyst at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Juichi Yamagiwa, Director-General of the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature and former President of Kyoto University. Sato, a prominent writer and colleague of French historical demographer and anthropologist Emmanuel Todd (who was initially scheduled to speak), co-authored Todd's Introduction to Human History (Bunshun Shinsho). In place of Todd, Sato delivered a lecture titled "Japan in the Face of the West's Moral Crisis," based on Todd’s latest book, The Defeat of the West. He referred to Todd's three-part framework of "values, interests, and power," stating, “Japan can be highly regarded in terms of interests and power, and within this, Hiroshima’s role in promoting peace education has been particularly significant.”

Yamagiwa’s lecture, titled "The Essence of Education and the Future of National Universities," concluded with words of encouragement to students: "Be curious, trust your intuition, and take on the challenges of an uncertain future."

The day continued with a talk show featuring alumnus and comedian Takushi Tanaka (Ungirls, Angāruzu/School of Engineering graduate), joined by MC Kana Kubota (School of Letters graduate) and President Ochi. When discussing career paths, Tanaka encouraged students to “Challenge yourself to pursue something with passion, knowing you can overcome tough times.”

At the commemorative celebration, guests mingled in a more relaxed atmosphere, contrasting the formality of the opening ceremony.

The University Festival near the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences experienced a delayed start due to heavy rain, but the student-led events—including comedy performances by Tokyo Hoteison and Satsumakawa RPG, food stalls, stage events, and both indoor and outdoor activities—went on as planned from 2 p.m.

The second day began under clear skies! The MC was Ayana Kawamura (School of Letters graduate). In the crisp morning air, a brass ensemble from the Program in Music Culture Education, School of Education, filled the venue with beautiful music. Their performance concluded with the lively piece “Tequila,” which drew enthusiastic applause and added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Next, faculty members presented a cutting-edge research lecture (LOOK Hiroshima University) on the theme of the “universe.” Professor Hikaru Yabuta explained, “We are exploring the origin of life through research on the asteroid Ryugu.” Professor (Special Recognition) Tohru Takahashi followed with a talk on his “research on the Big Bang at the beginning of the universe and the application of acceleration technology to areas like cancer treatment.” The audience listened intently, captivated by these inspiring topics.

For the commemorative lecture, Hiroshima University welcomed Izumi Nakamitsu, the first Japanese woman to serve as Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, who spoke on the theme “To the Future - Creating a peaceful and hopeful world -,” Nakamitsu shared, “The future is what we build on today, and I hope that Hiroshima and the people of Hiroshima University will play a major role in our collaborative efforts to create a more peaceful future.”

Later in the event, the School of Education presented the opera Hansel and Gretel, with beautiful performances by university faculty and students filling the hall. Hiroshima University’s mascot, Hiroty, also made an appearance on stage, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Throughout the two days, students showcased a variety of performances, including juggling, on the stage around the Satake Memorial Hall. Meanwhile, booths featured local specialties and popular gourmet foods from cities and towns in Hiroshima and Fukushima Prefectures, with which the university has partnership agreements. Research facilities and museums were open to the public, and each faculty organized exhibitions and events.

The Homecoming Day was held on Saturday, October 26, for the Higashi-Senda and Kasumi Campuses.

For more details, click here: Higashi-Senda and Kasumi (in Japanese).

Thank you very much to everyone who attended the event and to those who tuned in to the live broadcast on YouTube.