NEWS

On April 1, APU held the 2026 Spring Entrance Ceremony on its campus, welcoming a diverse group of new students. APU admitted 1,024 undergraduate students from 41 countries and regions and 32 graduate students from 14 countries and regions. In addition, APU welcomed 109 exchange and non-degree students from 29 countries and regions. With the arrival of these students, APU’s uniquely multicultural learning environment continues to grow.

During the ceremony, APU President Yoneyama Hiroshi delivered a congratulatory address. He stated, “Peace is something we build. The ability to think is something we cultivate. The future is something we choose,” and emphasized the importance of students taking initiative in both learning and taking action.

APU also invited distinguished guests to offer congratulatory messages. Beppu Mayor Yasuhiro Nagano encouraged the new students by saying, “I hope you will take on challenges without fear of failure and continue to ask questions. By engaging with Beppu’s culture and daily life, I hope you will come to see this city as your ‘second hometown.’”
In addition, Oita Prefecture Governor Kiichiro Sato delivered a congratulatory message to the incoming students.

APU provided opportunities for representatives of each college and graduate school to share their aspirations for university life.

College of Asia Pacific Studies・Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies

From the College of Asia Pacific Studies (APS), Sakurako Hattori (1st-year undergraduate student) spoke about her determination to continue learning while valuing her own voice through dialogue that transcends national and cultural boundaries.
From the Graduate School of Asia Pacific Studies, Truong Giang Nguyen (1st-year master’s student, Vietnam) expressed his ambition to contribute to society through research grounded in the insights gained from APU’s multicultural learning environment.

College of International Management・Graduate School of Management

From the College of International Management (APM), Yuka Koide (1st-year undergraduate student) shared her commitment to clarifying her own values, communicating them to others, and refining ideas together with a team built on mutual trust.
From the Graduate School of Management, Marshay Norton (1st-year graduate student) spoke about his dreams and vision and expressed his determination to work together with others to build a better future.

College of Sustainability and Tourism

From the College of Sustainability and Tourism (ST), Erin Taguchi (first-year undergraduate student) delivered a video message in which she shared her resolve to grow, take on challenges, and build meaningful connections over the next four years, so that she can say, “I’m glad I came here,” at graduation.

APU also invited current student representatives to address the audience. Haruna Iwakiri (fourth-year APS student), Saif Sherif Aly Mostafa Mohamed (3rd-year APM student), and Yujin Yamaguchi (3rd-year ST student) offered words of encouragement and support to the new students.

Following the ceremony, APU hosted a welcome event for new students. The event featured poster sessions introducing seminar research, interactive programs with current students, commemorative photo spots, and special APU-style celebrations, including multicultural performances and fireworks. These activities marked the beginning of the students’ new university lives.

You can view videos of the entrance ceremony here, and you can read the full text of the President’s message here.