NEWS

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, whether you came from within Japan or from another country or region, and all your families to this Entrance Ceremony.

Having obtained TedQual accreditation for being a world-class provider of tourism education and research, APU is a leader in the globalization of higher education in Japan, and Oita Prefecture takes pride in the fact that it is home to APU. APU is also open to the community. By assisting with the teaching of intercultural understanding and English at elementary and junior high schools throughout the prefecture and participating in local festivals, APU has been a strong partner in the internationalization and revitalization of Oita Prefecture. Furthermore, around 120 students served as official volunteers for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and their proactiveness contributed greatly to the tournament’s success.

You have enrolled in a global university that is firmly rooted in the community, and I am certain that you will learn many things over the next several years as you study on APU’s multicultural campus that attracts students from around 90 countries and regions. I believe the knowledge and experience you gain at APU will not only be treasures for you to cherish, they will become significant assets for your home country or region. I hope you all enjoy what Oita has to offer, interact with people from all parts of the prefecture, and lead productive and fulfilling student lives. I 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 of luck, and I pray for the continued prosperity of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.
　
Katsusada Hirose
Governor of Oita Prefecture
April 1, 2020

On behalf of the citizens of Beppu, I would like to congratulate you on your admission to Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of APU, which was opened in 2000 with the mission of “cultivating global leaders who can contribute to creating the future of the Asia Pacific region.” Since then, APU has developed a strong reputation as an international university open to the local community, and has produced numerous graduates who are now active around the globe.

By spending your formative years at APU exposed to a diverse array of values, I believe you will gain a great deal of knowledge and develop a wide range of experiences. I sincerely hope that everything you do at APU will provide you with the foundation for the rest of your life.

Beppu is a city of international tourism, and its hot spring culture attracts numerous visitors from throughout Japan and across the world every year. The Rugby World Cup was held in Japan last year, and many foreigners visited Beppu to attend matches and team camp trainings. APU students contributed greatly to the success of this tournament as volunteers and proponents of cultural exchange. I am certain they gained invaluable experience at this “once in a lifetime” tournament.

The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been rescheduled to be held next year. At that time, many foreign athletes and their families are expected to visit the national team training camps in Beppu. I hope you will use the language proficiency you develop during your time at APU to contribute proactively to various events like these.

Unfortunately, the entrance ceremony had to be cancelled to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, but I am happy to welcome you to Beppu, a highly livable and beautiful city with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other which is also the hot spring capital of Japan. Once the situation improves, I hope you will venture into the city, interact with our citizens, and enjoy the warmth of our hot springs and hospitality.

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.

Yasuhiro Nagano
Mayor of Beppu
April 1, 2020