2025 spring 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 developed 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 acquiring several international accreditations.
In addition to the unique multicultural and multinational campus that APU has developed to date, under the leadership of President YONEYAMA, the university announced a new plan called “Leap Beyond Global” and has launched several new initiatives. As one of these initiatives, APU concluded a cooperation agreement with the Kyushu Institute of Technology and Iizuka City last year, and the partners are proactively working to develop human resources and solve social issues, transcending organizations, regions, and fields. Amid the increasingly difficult situation that universities throughout Japan find themselves in, APU continues to take on these kinds of ambitious initiatives and develop as a center of knowledge that Oita Prefecture can be proud of both at home and abroad.
As a university that is open to the local community, in addition to promoting the internationalization of Oita Prefecture, APU has consistently contributed to regional revitalization by implementing a wide range of exchange programs for elementary, junior high, and high school students, holding sessions to learn about disaster prevention together with local residents, and engaging in industry-university collaboration aimed at solving local issues.
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 are always exposed to the latest trends from around the world. 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 prosperity of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

SATO Kiichiro
Governor of Oita Prefecture
April 1, 2025

On behalf of the citizens of Beppu, I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate you on your admission to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, and I would also like to extend my congratulations to your family members.

First of all, we would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the Myanmar earthquake that occurred on March 28. I have heard that many international students from Myanmar and Thailand will enroll in our school this year. Beppu is a cosmopolitan city with many international students from various countries. We will do our best to support them. If you have need any support, please contact the Cultural and International Affairs Division at the City Hall anytime.

Since olden times, Beppu has had a culture of welcoming people from far away to bathe in its healing hot spring waters, and many of our residents are enthusiastic in supporting those who work hard, sometimes even to a fault. For us, thinking about how to make visitors happy and wishing that everyone find happiness in their own way is directly linked to our spiritual enrichment. I am certain that all of you will soon become captivated by this culture of Beppu.

I encourage you to get out into the community and interact with a diverse array of people. This will inspire you and contribute to your personal growth over your lifetime.

This year marks the 101st anniversary of Beppu City’s incorporation, and we find ourselves at a midpoint where we look back at the last 100 years while also looking ahead to the next 100 years. With this in mind, our actions as people living in the present day, and your actions as new students, are bound to change.
I hope that you will all act as a driving force for the future of Beppu. The world faces a mountain of issues, including conflicts and climate change, but I am confident that you, by thinking about and acting upon what you are about to learn at APU, will become people with the power to change both Beppu City and the world.

As an honorary visiting professor in the College of Sustainability and Tourism, I come to APU often, so I am sure I will have the chance to meet many of you on campus. If you see me, please do not hesitate to say hello. I look forward to speaking with you and to learning and growing together with you.
In closing, let me express my hope for the continued success of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and for the success and happiness of everyone here today.

NAGANO Yasuhiro
Mayor of Beppu
April 2025