Congratulatory Address

First, let me express my heartfelt congratulations on your graduation from the prestigious Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
I would also like to congratulate your families, who showered you with love and watched you grow, and express my gratitude to President Deguchi and all of APU's faculty and staff who provided you with steadfast guidance.
Since opening in April 2000, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University has built up a stellar track record as a leader in the globalization of higher education in Japan, including the acquisition of several international accreditations.
Furthermore, APU signed 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, APU has also opened the new College of Sustainability and Tourism this April. In doing so, APU continues to develop as a center of knowledge that Oita Prefecture can be proud of both in the domestic and international scene.
APU is also a university that is very open to the local community. APU has consistently worked to internationalize Oita Prefecture and invigorate its communities. By collaborating with companies to host events that introduce people to the diversity of the world, assisting with the teaching of and English intercultural understanding at elementary and junior high schools throughout the prefecture, and participating in local festivals.
On APU’s multicultural campus, where students from 107 countries and regions live and learn together, you, the members of the graduating class, devoted yourselves to your studies to become people who can play an active role in the international community. During your time at APU, the global spread of COVID-19 made it a difficult time to study on campus until last year when Japan eased its immigration restrictions. However, you were able to overcome this and many other adversities with your creativity and ingenuity by adapting to new learning environments. I am convinced that these experiences will sustain you in this age of constant change and give you the power you need to create a new era.
Now that you have graduated, I sincerely hope that you will utilize the global mindset and networks you have developed at APU to contribute greatly to the development of the Asia Pacific region in the various fields you have chosen.
I hope that you will always feel affection for Oita as your “second home” and a place full of fond memories. I also hope you will serve to bridge the gap between different countries, regions, and people. Finally, I anticipate for the continued advancement of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Kiichiro Sato
Governor of Oita Prefecture
September 15, 2023

On behalf of the citizens of Beppu, please allow me to express my warmest congratulations to the graduating class of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and also to your families.
Today, as you graduate, I am certain you are recalling the many things you experienced during your time at APU. I hope you will keep all the people you met in Beppu in your hearts as you take the next big step toward your future.
While you surely have many enjoyable memories from your time at APU, I imagine there were also many of you who faced numerous difficulties that you had to overcome to make it to this ceremony. It is all these experiences, however, that have made you who you are today.
Take pride in the the experiences you have had, and the difficulties you have overcome, diverse cultures you have been exposed to, and never forget that Beppu is your second hometown.
I will continue cheering you all on as you embark on your path to the future. I hope that even after you leave the university, you can feel comforted as you think back about the days you spent in this city.
Beppu City will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its incorporation as a municipality next year, and we will create new value and sustainable attractions that we will broadcast throughout Japan and the rest of the world. Please make plans to come back to Beppu next year.
I kindly ask that you share your wisdom with us and lend us a hand in making Beppu an even more vibrant city, even after your graduation. In closing, as you start your new lives today, I sincerely wish you all great success and look forward to seeing you again in Beppu.

NAGANO Yasuhiro
Mayor of Beppu
September 15, 2023

Congratulations, graduating students! As you embark on this exciting new chapter in your lives, I'm sure you've been asked the question, "Where are you heading?" And if you're like most, you've probably been asked this question once or even before you realized you were graduating. I must admit, I'm one of those people who often pose this question to graduating students.

However, lately, I've been reflecting on the assumptions and expectations that come with this question. We tend to associate success with moving upward, having a clear direction, and staying on a predetermined path. While these notions may seem logical, they can be misleading and restrict your potential. Life doesn't always go according to plan, and not everything can be meticulously mapped out. Unexpected opportunities may arise, leading you down different paths.

It's crucial to make peace with these possibilities, as what truly matters is finding meaning in what you do. Your journey may involve ups and downs, or even veering off the beaten path, as you uncover and embrace your purpose. Completing your studies at APU marks the beginning of a new adventure, one that may take you to unexpected destinations. So, I encourage you to pursue purpose in both your career and personal life, allowing it to guide you to a fulfilling and meaningful existence.

Once again, congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for a purposeful future!

Congratulations on an important milestone of your life-long journey.

This day marks your achievement and accomplishment at APU, where you and your peers lived, studied, and nurtured friendships. The hardships you have experienced in your life as a student will be bitter-sweet memories, forming the bones and muscles to carry you forward.

You had to endure three years of your student life under the Covid-19 Pandemic, and your life considerably differed from a normal student life as all our courses had to be delivered online for some time. But, you all overcame the hardship and met the expectations of the university, which on its part was trying to offer the best it could under the circumstance.

For all of you who pursue diverse paths in jobs or graduate schools, one thing is common—that you all will make a giant step towards independence. The knowledge and skills you have acquired will guide you in your next journey, whatever that might be. The change maker that you have become will carry the APU label wherever you go. The network of friends you built globally will be your ears, your eyes, and your brain, collectively informing your decisions. Strive to create positive changes, small or large, in today's increasingly complex society.

Congratulations everyone on your graduation, and congratulations to your families as well!

Most of your university life was spent amidst the pandemic, but you have persevered to this day without giving up. You are all special graduates who have developed resilience.

First, I would like to ask you to look back over your photos, journals, and class notes from the last four years. It was of your own will that you chose to leave your hometowns and loving families to come to this campus on the top of a mountain. I am certain you have many fond memories of AP House, the amazing Multicultural Weeks, and the events that you joined with the local citizens, but you may have also experienced isolation, homesickness, pressure from your classes and homework, and worries about your future career paths. Be sure to save a space deep in your heart for all these memories.

Next, let's take this opportunity to think about the skills you were able to develop, and those you were not, here at APU. I expect you all learned to understand other cultures, honed your communication skills, and gained expertise in a specific field. Try to analyze where you grew the most as well as the reasons you were not able to meet some of your goals. Now give yourself a big round of applause! Based on the experiences you have had and the lessons you have learned, the next step is to paint a picture of your life after graduation.

Finally, be sure to remember all of people who supported you along the way and thank them in your heart.

We, the faculty and staff of APU, take pride in having been able to cultivate students like you! I am sure that you will all overcome whatever difficulties you may encounter and lead wonderful lives after graduation.

Once again, you are a special group of graduates. Please think about what this means as you head out into the world and work hard so that someday, when we meet again, we can talk about this with pride. I wish you all success as alumni of APU!