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学生生活|イベント|SDGs
Apr 17, 2025
On April 1, 2025, the Spring Entrance Ceremony was held on the APU campus, welcoming 1,082 new students from 59 countries and regions to the APU community. This spring, 1,061 undergraduate students from 36 countries and regions (769 domestic students, 292 international students) and 21 graduate students (international students) from 14 countries and regions enrolled. We also welcomed 162 exchange students and non-degree students (32 domestic students, 130 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. There was a poster session to introduce the research conducted in seminars along with photo spots, welcome performances, and fireworks, and the new students appeared to thoroughly enjoy the special festivities.
At the ceremony, President Yoneyama gave welcome speech to new students. He said:
“I hope you will take full advantage of APU’s resources—the classes, faculty members, extracurricular activities, classrooms, Green Commons, library, and other facilities—to discover a new version of yourself. Although you might not be able to envision it today, I encourage you to keep trying new things and to become individuals who possess the power to change the world. Your growth as APU students begins today.”
―――You can read the rest of his congratulatory message here.―――
Next, honored guest Beppu City Mayor Mr. Yasuhiro Nagano encouraged the new students by saying, "I encourage you to go out into the community and interact with people from all walks of life. These experiences will stimulate your growth and become valuable assets in your life."
Student representatives from each undergraduate college and graduate were selected, and in their respective speeches, they expressed their aspirations and determination for university life.
Asuka Itokawa, representing the College of Asia Pacific Studies (1st year, Japan), shared her dream of creating a society where no one is left behind. Inspired by the power of community support for those facing social difficulties, she expressed her belief that diverse experiences and human connections are the key to building a better future. She pledged to take on challenges at APU, connecting countless dots with her peers to bring positive change to the world.
Representing the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, Tsai Chi Yun (1st year graduate student, Taiwan) spoke about her aspiration to develop inclusive policies through discussions and practical initiatives at APU. He hopes to contribute to an international organization or governmental institution after graduation. Emphasizing the importance of continuously tackling challenges, he expressed his determination to grow with his peers and become an influential leader.
Kosuke Yoshida from the College of International Management (1st year, Japan) reflected on his journey from school absenteeism to re-engagement, sharing the lessons he learned about the importance of making an effort and the support received from others. Believing that the challenges he undertakes at APU will be a stepping stone to the world, he vowed to become a symbol of hope through personal growth.
AGOOR Gifty Delbright M. from the Graduate School of Management (1st year, Ghana) decided to enroll at APU because she was drawn to its mission to nurture global leaders. As someone from a developing country, she sees APU as a place to gain the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the economic development of her home region. She stressed the importance of growing together while respecting diversity.
Minori Maeda from the College of Sustainability and Tourism (1st year, Japan) shared her experience supporting women in Malawi. Through this experience, she realized that achieving a sustainable society requires empowering local communities. This insight led her to focus on tourism. She expressed her commitment to learning diverse perspectives, working collaboratively, and developing the ability to embrace change during her time at APU.
Current student representatives from each college also warmly welcomed the new students.
IDOS John Rey Sadang (3rd year, Philippines) from the College of Asia Pacific Studies shared his personal motto: “Just try it before overthinking.” Guided by this mindset, he has stepped out of his comfort zone and actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular and volunteer activities. He encouraged the new students to embrace their own APU journeys while enjoying every new adventure along the way.
JHA ASHMI (3rd year, India) from the College of International Management (India) spoke from her own experience, describing her learning journey at APU as more than just education and saying “it has been an adventure.” She urged the new students to look toward the vast possibilities that come with cultural diversity and to take on new challenges without fear of failure.
Shuta Komizo (3rd year, Japan) from the College of Sustainability and Tourism shared his experience of applying what he learned in ST to found a student organization to support food bank activities. He emphasized the importance of taking on challenges together with your peers, and he encouraged the new students to take initiative and turn their ideas into action.
You can watch the entrance ceremony video for each college from the links below.
Copyright (c) 2016 Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
