Japanese

Hiroshima University held its 2026 Entrance Ceremony on April 3, welcoming a total of 4,198 new students. This year, among the newcomers, there are 2,598 undergraduate and advanced course students and 1,600 graduate students, all embarking on their new journeys.

The ceremony took place under clear skies at the Higashi-Hiroshima Sports Park. Families and new students gathered at the venue, where cherry blossoms in full bloom added a celebratory touch to the occasion.

The ceremony began solemnly with the rendition of the national anthem by Michie Nakamaru, a world-renowned opera singer and visiting professor at Hiroshima University.

President Mitsuo Ochi spoke about the history and philosophy of Hiroshima University. The president noted that the university, with its roots in Hiroshima—the site of the atomic bombing—has strived to become “a single unified university, free and pursuing peace,” and explained that “The spirit of seeking peace continues to this day through the university’s various educational and international exchange activities.”

He also emphasized that “the international community now faces profound challenges amid ongoing conflicts around the globe. In such times, it is more important than ever to develop the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives and to engage with diverse values.” Addressing the new students, he urged them that “it is not enough to ask only ‘how’. We must also continue to ask ‘why’: Why are these problems taking place? What underlying factors give rise to them? I believe that the ability to ask ‘why’ has never been more important than it is today.”

Furthermore, he referenced the words of 20th-century German philosopher Karl Jaspers, who said, “The university is a community of teachers and students engaged in the task of seeking truth,” and explained, “A university is not a place where knowledge is unilaterally transmitted, but rather a place where teachers and students together question, think, and pursue truth.” Finally, he expressed his hope to the new students, saying, “I sincerely hope that your time at the University will be rich and fulfilling, and that what you learn here will become a lasting source of strength as you shape your future.”

Following the ceremony, video messages welcoming the new students were presented, featuring Hajime Moriyasu, head coach of Japan’s national soccer team; actress Naho Toda; and Keiko Horikawa, non-fiction writer and alumna of the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences.

President's full Ceremonial Speech (English) (Japanese)