About APU

YONEYAMA Hiroshi

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University（APU）President
Trustee, Vice-Chancellor of the Ritsumeikan Trust

I have been appointed as the fifth President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) through an international recruitment process.

A campus filled with love.
It might not be fitting as a university president's address, but that's how I feel about APU's campus. In my three and a half years here, I've been moved by the sight of students transcending the barriers of their home countries, regions, and languages, supporting each other equally while learning and thriving. APU fosters a culture where mutual respect and empathy thrive.

The year 2023 was challenging for the world and APU alike. While the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually easing, wars persist, and serious crises in international order and security endure. Moreover, there are mounting issues like climate change, poverty, and human rights that demand resolution.

To address the complex challenges facing modern society, we've announced a new plan, 'Leap Beyond Global,' to be implemented starting in 2024. It aims to explore a new form of university beyond traditional boundaries and strive for its realization. This plan focuses on three challenges: the ultimate challenge of embodying and practicing Diversity & Inclusion (D&I), expanding the APU community, and enhancing the role and function of the university in nurturing lifelong learners. Through these initiatives, APU will take on a new role as a hub for solving social issues through diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices and education that only APU can provide.

From this campus brimming with love, together with the students, graduates, the local community, and everyone supporting APU, we will collaborate and strive towards the realization of 'Leap Beyond Global.' Thank you very much for your support.