2024 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 all of you to Oita Prefecture, whether you came from within Japan or from another country or region. 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 track record as a leader in the globalization of higher education in Japan by producing numerous outstanding graduates who now contribute to international society and by gaining several international accreditations.
This June, APU introduced the new APU Student and High School Student Future Visionary Vice President positions as a means to receive proposals from young people on the functions that they would like to see the university perform, and then use this input to identify issues and create a mid- to long-term vision for university management. Amid the increasingly difficult situation that universities throughout Japan find themselves in, APU continues to take on these kinds of ambitious initiatives like this and develop as a center of knowledge that Oita Prefecture can be proud of both at home and abroad.
In addition to promoting the internationalization of Oita Prefecture, APU has consistently contributed to regional revitalization with initiatives such as English workshops and global human resources development programs for high school students, industry-government-university collaborative events, and activities where students can learn about disaster prevention together with local residents.
Furthermore, APU has cooperated closely with us on the Oita stage of the MyNavi Tour de Kyushu, which will be held in October of this year, and APU was selected to serve as the starting point for this race.
You have enrolled in a global university that is firmly rooted in the community, and I am certain that you will make lasting friendships and learn many things as you study on APU’s multicultural campus, a place that attracts students from over 100 countries and regions and where you can experience the latest worldwide trends. Everything you learn and everyone you meet at APU will help you grow as a person and develop the ability to create the future.
As for 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 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, between 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 I pray for the continued advancement of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

SATO Kiichiro
Governor of Oita Prefecture
September 20, 2024

On behalf of the citizens of Beppu, I would like to congratulate you on your admission to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
More than 20 years have passed since APU opened, and it has developed a stellar reputation both at home and abroad as an international university that is open to the community. APU’s multinational and multicultural campus is sure to provide you with opportunities for learning and activities as well as a living environment that will enable you to grow and experience a new kind of world-class global learning. In accordance with the APU2030 Vision, the University has created an environment to help students acquire the qualities that the leaders of the future are expected to possess.
Given Beppu’s standing as a city of international tourism and hot springs culture, I also have high expectations for the College of Sustainability and Tourism, which was established last year. I have delivered several lectures at APU, and each time I am humbled by how enthusiastic the students are.
Having overcome the difficulties of the past few years, we have all gained the ability to try new things and to change our minds, so it is no coincidence that you have come to Beppu in the year that it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its incorporation as a city. I look forward to seeing you demonstrate these abilities to the fullest.
　Beppu is a city that gladly welcomes visitors from faraway places, and our residents cheer for people who work hard, sometimes even to a fault. An increasing number of students who have fallen in love with Beppu are either choosing to remain here after graduation or using Beppu as one of the bases of operations for their own businesses.
In addition to carrying on our cherished traditions, we are always working on ways to keep the city up to date. To do this, we need your youthful energy and creativity. I hope we can work together to help Beppu grow into a vibrant city that attracts people from all over the world.
This year, Beppu celebrates the 100th anniversary of its incorporation. I hope you will make time to come into our bustling city and experience the vitality of Beppu.
In closing, let me express my hope for the continued success of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and for the health and happiness of its students and stakeholders.

NAGANO Yasuhiro
Mayor of Beppu
September 20, 2024