2023 Fall Entrance Ceremony

Congratulations to all of you who are beginning your studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely welcome you to Oita Prefecture, whether you came from within Japan or from another country.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of your family members on this joyous occasion.
Since opening in April 2000, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) has built up a stellar reputation as a leader in the globalization of higher education in Japan by producing numerous outstanding graduates who now contribute to international society and by acquiring several international accreditations.
Furthermore, APU established a partnership agreement with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) last November, under which it has been pursuing international academic research, industry-university cooperation, and advanced global human resources development. Additionally, this April marked the opening of the College of Sustainability and Tourism, the only college in Japan where students can study both of these disciplines at the same time. Expectations are high that within the new academic building built using sustainably sourced wood from Oita Prefecture, APU will produce human resources for new environmentally conscious fields.
APU is also open to the local community. The university has consistently worked to internationalize Oita Prefecture and invigorate the community by collaborating with companies to host events and participating in local festivals that expose people to the diversity of the world. APU also assists with the teaching of English and intercultural understanding at elementary and junior high schools throughout the prefecture.
You have enrolled in a global university that is also firmly rooted in the community. I am certain that you will make lasting friendships and learn many things as you study on APU’s multicultural campus. It is a place that attracts students from over 100 countries and regions and where you are always exposed to the latest trends in the world. Everything you learn and everyone you meet at APU will help you grow as a person and develop your ability to create a better future.
I would like to extend a welcome on behalf of Oita Prefecture. We are blessed with bountiful nature, a rich history and culture, and delicious food. During your time at APU, I hope you all get to enjoy what Oita has to offer, and proactively interact with people from all parts of the prefecture. I also hope that Oita will become your second home and that one day, you will serve as bridges between people and regions as well as between Oita and the wider world.
In closing, I would like to wish you all the best in your endeavors, and for the continued prosperity of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Kiichiro Sato
Governor of Oita Prefecture
September 22, 2023

Hello, everybody!
Let me begin by saying congratulations to all the new students admitted to the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. On behalf of the citizens of Beppu, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you and your families.

Although I wanted to celebrate with you all face to face, I was unable to attend the ceremony as the City Council is in session. However, I may be giving a lecture at the College of Sustainability and Tourism, so there may be an opportunity to meet you on campus. Please feel free to contact me on that occasion. I look forward to talking with you.

Beppu citizens are willing to accept visitors from afar and support those who make efforts. Thinking about how to make visitors happy and wishing for the realization of diverse happiness is also linked to the enrichment of citizens' hearts and minds.

Exciting encounters await you as well as the warmth of the hot springs. Please get into the local community, enjoy the hot springs, and meet lots of people. It will help you improve yourself. We also need your young power and creativity to keep the city constantly updated while preserving its good traditions. We look forward to working with you as we strive to grow into a city that is attractive to people around the world.

In addition, next year will mark the "100th anniversary of Beppu City Administration”. We look forward to sharing with you in this historic moment for Beppu, and hope that all of you will be a driving force for a new leap forward.

In closing, I would like to offer my best wishes for the further development of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and for the health and happiness of its students and all those involved.
Thank you for your attention. Shape your world!

22nd September 2023
NAGANO Yasuhiro
Mayor of Beppu City