Notes from the President

　Congratulations on your admission to APU! I want to extend a heartfelt welcome on behalf of everyone at APU. I would also like to offer my warm greetings to your family members. This spring, APU is excited to welcome 1,244 incoming students, bringing the total number of students enrolled at the university to 6,578, of whom 3,180 are international students and 3,398 are domestic students. Our international students come from a total of 110 countries and regions, and no other university in Japan attracts international students from this many countries and regions. Additionally, our domestic students come from every prefecture in Japan. I hope you will take full advantage of our attractive, world-class curriculum, offered in both Japanese and English, to fully engage in learning with this diverse group of peers. Our highly qualified faculty from over 25 countries and regions are here to support your curiosity and inquisitiveness.

　APU’s most attractive feature is its international campus, where students from around the globe learn together, interact with one another, and form friendships. We refer to the human connections that APU students experience as the “global learning community.” This community is situated atop a hill in Jumonjibaru, at an elevation of 300 meters. You will spend the next few years of your life on this hilltop campus, where you will shape your future. From our vantage point overlooking Beppu Bay, we are connected to the world. I hope you enjoy this beautiful campus as you prepare to venture out into the world.

　As APU students, you will experience many things—living in AP House, taking required language and first-year courses, participating in clubs and various extracurricular activities, engaging in specialized studies and research within your respective colleges, interacting with alumni who are active around the world, participating in off-campus study programs in Kyushu, other regions of Japan, and locations worldwide, studying abroad, and more. Throughout your campus life, you will encounter diverse cultures and values, deepening your knowledge while developing your personality and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. The people of Beppu City and Oita Prefecture keep a kind, watchful eye over our students, so remember to cherish Beppu, as it will become your home away from home.

　New students, please keep your eyes on the global situation as you as you navigate your university life. Four days ago, on March 28, a major earthquake centered in central Myanmar caused many casualties in Myanmar, Thailand, and southern China. Amongst APU’s international students we have 474 students from Myanmar, making it our largest source country, and 227 students from Thailand. The university has posted my messages of condolences and sympathy to those who lost their lives or were affected by the earthquake, and at the same time, has set up a consultation and support desk for students, alumni, and high school students who are thinking about enrolling in APU. We are firmly committed to supporting students in continuing their studies with peace of mind. We would also appreciate your warm support as students.

　Natural disasters are not the only problem in the world. The world is currently undergoing significant changes. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 1945. World War II led to humanity turning against one another, devastating cities, and enduring the unprecedented horrors of war—both in terms of casualties and the number of countries involved. To prevent such conflicts, nations have established international organizations like the United Nations and have created mechanisms through dialogue and collaboration at various levels—from the private sector to the highest levels of government—not only to avert conflict but also to foster interdependence through expanded trade, while working to eliminate hunger, poverty, and infectious diseases. Although cumbersome and costly, this intricate system has enhanced human life’s overall prosperity and well-being. However, an increasing number of world leaders are rejecting international cooperation, claiming that what benefits their own countries is sufficient and that resolving conflicts through force is unavoidable. This poses a significant danger. The global community must not forget the lessons learned from 80 years ago. APU’s university philosophy is “freedom, peace, and humanity” because we aspire to be a community of students, faculty, and staff who continuously consider the well-being of all humankind. I hope you will develop your abilities at APU and collaborate with like-minded individuals worldwide to create a better future for humanity and our planet.

　APU is on the brink of a significant transformation. We have signed a tripartite partnership agreement with the Kyushu Institute of Technology, a national university in Fukuoka Prefecture, and Iizuka City. APU, which excels in developing global talent within its multinational and multicultural environment, will collaborate with the Kyushu Institute of Technology, known for its strengths in fields like ICT and robotics, to promote innovative education and research. We will also work alongside the business community in Kyushu and across Japan to create internships for students nurtured in APU’s global environment, enhancing their opportunities for success after graduation. Furthermore, we are pursuing a collaborative partnership with Taiwan, a leader in semiconductor development, and by engaging with alumni—past students who preceded you and are active around the world—we will enhance the global career development of our current students. Through these new initiatives, APU aspires to become a university capable of changing the world with you.

　The key players at a university are you, the students. The most crucial role of a university is to support student learning and development. 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.

　In closing, I would like to once again extend a warm welcome to all of you. Take pride in being APU students and believe in yourselves. I hope you prioritize your health while enjoying a fun yet structured campus life. Welcome to APU!

Hiroshi Yoneyama
President
Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
April 1, 2025