NEWS

On September 20, 2024, the Fall Entrance Ceremony was held on the APU campus, welcoming 590 new students from 63 countries and regions to the APU community. This Fall, 509 undergraduate students from 48 countries and regions (44 domestic students, 465 international students) and 81 graduate students (3 domestic students, 78 international students) from 41 countries and regions enrolled. The number of exchange students and non-degree students accepted was 119 (11 domestic students, 108 international students) from 33 countries and regions.

Furthermore, as part of a welcome program for the new students, various activities, performances, and events were organized, a poster session to introduce research in seminars, photo spots, welcme performance and fireworks. The new students thoroughly enjoyed these special festivities.

At the ceremony, Chancellor Yoshio Nakatani from Ritsumeikan Trust gave words of congratulations. “The world is changing at an ever-faster pace, and it can be difficult to know how to make the right decisions. In this situation, it is important to be focused on the future. We hope that you will not fear failure or be bound by conventional wisdom, frameworks or stereotypes, but instead question them, and explore what the future should look like. We look forward to each and every one of you taking on this challenge.“

President Yoneyama also gave welcome speech to new students.
“Today marks the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and discovery. At APU, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse and dynamic academic environment. Here are six reasons why we believe APU will challenge and inspire you.” ―――You can read the rest of his message here.―――

Our honored guests, Mr. Kiichiro Sato, the governor of Oita Prefecture, and Mr. Morse Caoagas Flores, (College of Asia Pacific Studies Class of 2006, Chairperson of the Alumni Association), High Commissioner for Human Rights at the Office of the United Nations, delivered congratulatory speeches.

Muhammad Ajnas Ahmed (4th year, College of International Management, India), acting as the representative of current students, greeted the new students. He offered them advice on how to make their university lives more meaningful by reflecting on his own learning experiences and extracurricular activities. He emphasized that the first year of university is a time for challenges, where experiences of both failure and success can help students recognize their strengths and weaknesses, but that “in your 2nd and 3rd year, [you should] focus on improving your weaknesses while building on your strengths.” However, he also emphasized that “Everyone has their own pace of doing things. So take your time, be calm and gentle with the process, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy your college life.”

Next up was new student Saboor Abdul (College of Asia-Pacific Studies, Pakistan), who delivered the representative greeting for new students by expressing his interest in studying conflict resolution on his journey to becoming an expert in international relations and diplomacy. He encouraged the new students by stating “Remember that we have the power to reshape our world into a more peaceful and prosperous one,” and that “Now it's our overriding duty, to lead with empathy, courage, and a commitment to making a genuine change.” He concluded his speech by saying “For a more peaceful and united world, thank you all, and I look forward to walking this beautiful path with you.”

The last student to make a speech was Kalpana Ramsharma (Graduate School of Management, India), who represented the new graduate students. After graduating from APU’s undergraduate program and gaining working experience, Kalpana expressed her gratitude for the challenges she has faced and the support she has received. She further addressed global issues such as intolerance, discrimination, and the gap between rich and poor stating that “The Earth doesn’t need to be moved physically. But in how we think, act, and lead ... the world does need moving.” Finally, she brought up how “APU is a springboard that will launch you into your future.”

You can watch the ceremony on APU’s official YouTube channel.