Notes from the President

Congratulatory Address

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the new graduates. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I congratulate you as you step forth into the world. I would also like to congratulate your families and thank them for their support and encouragement.

While the APU 2030 Vision states that “APU graduates possess the power to change our world,” the world has been facing new problems even while you have been students here at APU. It has been three years since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic that continues even today, and one year ago, Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The world is in the midst of many crises, including major earthquakes in Turkey and Syria and an increase in the number of refugees worldwide. Humanity must confront difficult international issues that have no right answers. These challenges cannot be solved without dialogue that transcends national borders and is considerate of those who are different. This is exactly what all of you have been thinking about, pondering over, and finding solutions to in your classes and in your life in the multicultural environment of APU. This is why I have high expectations for your future success as you depart APU.

I would like to share with you three things I hope you will remember as you venture out into the wide world. The first is to live honestly with yourself. Walk a path that belongs to no one else. Of course, you may give up along the way. At that point, it is okay if you take a different path. Living honestly with yourself everyday will lead you to a bright future. So, don't worry about what other people think and stay true to yourselves.

Secondly, always take care of your friends. When you are trying to accomplish something, there are not many things you can do on your own. By cooperating and working together with others you can overcome even the most difficult challenges. You always have companions within society, such as colleagues and superiors. If you look across the world, you will find more than 20,000 APU alumni actively engaged in their pursuits. I hope that you will cherish the bonds with your friends around the globe as you continue to take on the challenge of changing the world. And please come back to APU anytime, just as if it were your second home. APU is always ready to welcome you.

The third point is to continue to learn from “people, books, and travel.” In the words left to us by poet and novelist, Shimazaki Toson, “There are three kinds of wisdom in the world. Wisdom gained through learning, wisdom gained through interaction with others, and wisdom gained through one's own experience.” To improve yourself even after you go out into the world, meet and listen to people in your field of interest. Through reading books, you can overcome the limits of space and time and experience the words and thoughts of people you cannot meet. Finally, travel the wider world to broaden your horizons. This learning will absolutely lead to more choices in your life.

In closing, I would like to share with you my favorite quote:
“Go where nobody has gone. Do what nobody has done.”

I wish you all the best in your future lives. Congratulations on your graduation.

March 17, 2023
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
President Haruaki Deguchi