NEWS

On Friday, September 25, 2026, APU held its Entrance Ceremony on campus, welcoming 596 new students from 71 countries and regions.
In conjunction with the ceremony, APU also hosted a variety of welcome events for incoming students. These included poster sessions featuring seminar research, opportunities to connect with current students and alumni, photo spots for commemorative pictures, and special events such as APU's signature multicultural performances and a fireworks display. New students enjoyed celebrating the start of their APU journey while experiencing the university's unique multicultural environment.

At the ceremony, APU President Hiroshi Yoneyama delivered a congratulatory address and encouraged the new students to learn from diverse perspectives and develop the ability to engage with global challenges. Referring to APU's founding principles, he noted, “One of APU's founding principles is expressed in three words — Freedom, Peace, and Humanity. They are not decoration on a wall but a working method, and this campus is where you practice it.”

--- The full text of the president's message is available here. ---

In a guest address, Oita Prefecture Governor Kiichiro Sato welcomed the incoming students and encouraged them to immerse themselves in the local community during their time in Japan. “During your time at the university, I encourage you to explore the many attractions of our prefecture and actively engage with people in communities throughout Oita. I also hope that you will come to regard Oita as your second home and serve as a bridge connecting people, communities, and Oita to the wider world.”

Representing the current student body, Koto Yoshida (third-year student, College of Asia Pacific Studies, Japan) shared four lessons she had learned during her student life at APU: do not fear failure, challenge your limits, respect diverse perspectives, and never forget your original aspirations. Encouraging the new students, she emphasized that “Cultural differences should not become barriers to mutual understanding. Embracing and respecting different ways of thinking, values, and experiences leads to a deeper and broader understanding of the world.”

Representing the incoming undergraduate students, Thiri Phay Khin (College of Asia Pacific Studies, Myanmar), reflected on growing up in a small town and studying Japanese online while traveling 16 hours to the capital city to take language proficiency examinations. “Every small effort I made, and even every setback, prepared me for the opportunity that eventually came and taught me that with enough perseverance and determination, there is nothing that I cannot achieve in this world.” Introducing a Myanmar proverb meaning “by taking one step at a time and preserving steadily toward our goals, we will undoubtedly reach our destination,” she also expressed her determination, saying, “As of today, we begin that journey together. So, may we continue moving forward with courage and hope. May we become global citizens, equipped with a full heart that can serve for the good of the world.”

Representing the incoming graduate students, Shomaksud Shoilyosov (Graduate School of Management, Uzbekistan) reflected on his journey from a small town in Uzbekistan and his efforts to pursue opportunities to study abroad through learning English. “This journey was not always easy. There were challenges, uncertainties, and moments of doubt. But each of those moments shaped who I am today.” Describing APU as a place where “An opportunity to collaborate, conduct research, and grow alongside such uniquely talented classmates from every corner of the globe is a privilege like no other, and most importantly to grow not only academically, but personally as well,” he encouraged his fellow students by saying: “If we have made it this far, we are capable of going even further.” Let us believe in ourselves. Let us support one another. And let us continue to move forward — no matter how challenging the journey may become.”

A recording of the ceremony is available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjXQc1SjEfk