Congratulatory Address

First, let me express my heartfelt congratulations on your graduation from the prestigious Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
I also want to congratulate your families, who showered you with love and watched you grow, and express my gratitude to President Yoneyama and all of APU's faculty and staff who provided you with steadfast guidance.
Since opening in April 2000, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University has chalked up a stellar track record as a leader in the globalization of higher education in Japan, including the acquisition of several international accreditations.
In recent years, as industries have become increasingly internationalized, the human resources sought by companies are also changing. There is a growing need for multicultural managers who, in addition to specialized skills, possess an understanding of different cultures, religions, customs, and so on. Against this backdrop, this July, APU signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan and launched a global talent development program for the semiconductor industry in cooperation with semiconductor companies in Kyushu.
Amid the increasingly severe situation that universities throughout Japan find themselves in, APU continues to take on 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 international exchange events for local elementary school students, hands-on retreat-style programs for high school students, industry-government-university collaborative events, and beach-cleaning activities.
On APU’s multicultural campus, where students from 111 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 difficult for a time to study on campus. However, you were able to overcome this and many other adversities with your creativity and ingenuity by adapting to new learning and educational environments. I am convinced that these experiences will sustain you and give you the power you need to pioneer a new era in these times of constant change.
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 each chosen to enter.
Finally, I hope that you will always feel affection for Oita as your “home away from home” and a place full of fond memories. I also hope you will serve to bridge the gap between different countries, regions, and peoples as well as between Oita and the wider world, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors while praying for the continued advancement of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

Kiichiro Sato
Governor of Oita Prefecture
September 19, 2025

Congratulations everyone on your graduation, and congratulations to your families as well!
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on reaching this momentous milestone today. On behalf of the citizens of Beppu, I would also like to express my deepest appreciation and respect to the families, faculty, and staff who have supported you with their devotion and enthusiasm.

You have gathered here in Beppu from around the world, meeting each other and learning together at APU. The days you have spent sharing conversations, struggles, and encouragement with each other will surely become treasured memories, not only for each of you, but also for this city.

Beppu is, of course, renowned as a city of hot springs. But more than that, it is a city where people live together while embracing different cultures and values and respecting one another—transforming diversity into strength. You have breathed new life into Beppu, connecting with local residents and becoming an integral part of the city’s vibrant culture. Your presence here has become both a source of pride for us and a new part of ‘the fabric of our city.

Beppu City recently celebrated the 100th anniversary of its incorporation. Over the years, the city has dealt with many changes and difficulties, and each time it has risen to the challenge. In the same way, we will continue tackling challenges as they arise. I am convinced that it is people like you—those who respect diversity, value dialogue, and take action—who will shape our future.

On the paths each of you are about to take, you will no doubt encounter uncertainty and difficulty.
But I urge you not to stop—keep questioning yourself and keep moving forward. That spirit of persistence is what will give you the power to open up new horizons.

The hot springs of Beppu are nurtured deep underground over many years before finally emerging to the surface. In the same way, your efforts and experiences, even if they have yet to take shape, will surely become a warm and nurturing force that will help someone somewhere down the road.

If ever you find yourself lost or weary, I hope you will think back on your time here in Beppu:
mornings wrapped in steam, nights spent talking with friends until dawn, and the smiles and warmth you shared with the people of this city. All of these memories will live on in your hearts forever.
And I hope that someday you will come back to Beppu and say “I’m home!”
This town will always welcome you wholeheartedly with the same warmth and support as ever.
Once again, congratulations on your graduation. I sincerely hope that your future lives will be fruitful and full of hope and joy.

NAGANO Yasuhiro
Mayor of Beppu
September 19, 2025