Japanese

Hiroshima University (HU) held its Commencement Ceremony for the 2025 academic year on March 23, 2026, at the Higashi-Hiroshima Sports Park Gymnasium.

This year, a total of 3,718 students graduated or completed their programs, including 2,349 undergraduate students (15 of whom were international students), nine students in specialized courses, and 1,360 graduate students (241 of whom were international students).

Under a clear blue sky, graduates and their families, dressed in formal attire, gathered at the venue to celebrate a new beginning filled with gratitude and hope. The ceremony was also live streamed on YouTube.

In his address, HU President Mitsuo Ochi praised the students for overcoming numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, to reach this day of graduation and completion. He urged them not to forget to express gratitude to their families and those who have supported them.

He also emphasized the importance of respecting diverse values and never giving up on dialogue, regardless of the circumstances, especially in today’s society, where peace and democracy face trials. Furthermore, touching on the rapid spread of generative AI, he noted that it is humans who must decide “what questions to ask,” and urged the students to cultivate the ability to formulate their own questions, discern value, and collaborate with others to create the future.

Following the ceremony, President Ochi personally presented diplomas to each doctoral degree recipient, and commemorative photographs were taken.

In the afternoon, each school/graduate school organized a diploma-awarding ceremony for the graduates.

President's full Ceremonial Speech (English/Japanese)

*Photos of the Commencement Ceremony will be released on HU's official social media.