Congratulatory Address at University of Tokyo Entrance Ceremony

→Japanese

The entrance ceremony at the University of Tokyo will be held on April 12.

I remember when we entered university, the season of the cherry blossoms was in full swing.

In Japan, the university entrance ceremony is the most important first step in students’ lives. Many of their family members also attend the ceremony.

At this year’s ceremony, I will be giving the congratulatory address. When I was asked, I was initially a bit surprised. Perhaps if you read my past column entries, you will understand why I was perplexed. But I was genuinely pleased, and it seems the times are changing.

The ceremony will take place at the Budokan arena. After the President of the University of Tokyo, Mr. Hamada, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Ishii, I will give my address.

To the new students, I would like to take these ten minutes to express my thoughts and feelings.

This is the link to my speech.

University of Tokyo 2013 Entrance Ceremony Speech

A video link will also be coming soon.