??I would like to begin by expressing our deepest condolences to the victims of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake and our heartfelt sympathy to the survivors. In the face of such a disaster, the victims are still in an extraordinary situation, far from their normal lives. I fervently hope for the earliest recovery for all people and communities affected by this immense tragedy.
??Under such circumstances, we are grateful to be able to hold? the Degree Conferment Ceremony for the 2023 academic year. Congratulations to all the graduates and completers. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. I would also like to express my sincere congratulations to their families and thank them for their understanding and support. You spent your student life during the period when the spread of COVID-19 was at its peak. In the 2020 academic year in particular, as in many universities across the country, we were forced to cancel the matriculation ceremony. For several months, we had to restrict access to our campus. This time, we faced the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake early in the new year, just a few days before graduation and completion. Under these circumstances, you have continued your self-discipline and learning, enhanced your human skills, deepened your academic knowledge, and completed your goals. I would like to express my sincere respect and congratulations to all of you who have successfully received your degree certificates or diplomas today. I am sure that the warm guidance and encouragement of your friends, family, and mentors, with whom you have shared your aspirations, have also been a great source of strength for you. This is a good opportunity for us to remember them once again and to thank them for their help and guidance.
????????????The disaster has brought into the spotlight not only the geopolitical implications of a peninsular earthquake, but also many challenges posed by rapid population aging and the declining birthrate, and by the resulting impact on communities, social infrastructure, livelihoods, healthcare, education, and tangible and intangible cultural assets. Today, humankind faces many global challenges, including protracted international conflicts around the world, poverty, famine, food security, health and welfare concerns, energy needs, climate change, and environmental issues. At the same time, society is also being rapidly reshaped by AI, digital transformation, and technological innovation. I am sure that you have realized that various issues can suddenly become apparent, as in the case of this disaster. Through your studies at Kanazawa University, I assume that you have considered and acted on many things, such as principles, causes, and human wisdom in solving social issues. Furthermore, continuous preparation is essential to explore and solve the challenges of the present and future. This is precisely what Kanazawa University advocates as "future-oriented intelligence." Last May 15, we hosted the G7 Education Minister’s Meeting Excursion in Toyama and Kanazawa at our Kakuma Campus. This event brought G7 ministers and representatives of international organizations to our university to discuss the future of education with students and faculty, and concluded with the issuing of the Kanazawa University Youth Declaration. Rare experiences such as this are a rich source of inspiration for us. In these times of significant changes in social structures and values, continue your studies at Kanazawa University. By harnessing the "future-oriented intelligence" you acquire, overcome challenges and create new values for society. It is you who will build the new society of Japan and the world. I am confident that you will robustly lead the society of the future.
????????At Kanazawa University, under the vision of the Kanazawa University Future Vision "Aspiration" announced in May 2022, we have set forth our vision of becoming an international research university, which is the ideal state for our institution. Based on the fundamental principles outlined in the Kanazawa University Charter, we aim to contribute to society through "future-oriented intelligence,” built on an all Kanazawa University approach. The words of Yoshida Shoin, who presided over the Shoka Sonjuku in Choshu during the Edo period, in present-day Yamaguchi Prefecture, say, "Aspiration is the source of all actions." This means that all practices begin with setting an aspiration. From now on, you will start a new life as members of society or as graduate students. This is an excellent opportunity for each of you to set or reaffirm your aspirations. Yoshida Shoin also left us with the words, "There is no success without dreams." Engrave the learning you have gained at your alma mater in your heart, and as graduates of Kanazawa University, pursue your dreams and goals dynamically with pride and confidence, and excel in all fields. Furthermore, I hope you will continue to keep in mind the Noto Peninsula, which was struck by the recent earthquake, and remain concerned with the recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable development of the affected areas. The reconstruction and recovery of the disaster-affected areas will require long-term efforts under a grand vision, considering sustainability. Moving forward, Kanazawa University will strive to further enhance its comprehensive strengths towards becoming an international research university. In doing so, we will devote ourselves to the reconstruction and recovery from the earthquake, and contribute to the world and the region as a comprehensive research university.
You are about to set sail into a society that is in the midst of a turbulent change. To help you on your way, as my parting gift, I would like to present you with three words of advice.
First and foremost, it is about "growing as a person." To achieve this, it is crucial to value encounters with people and to refine your human qualities.
I believe that people are treasures and assets. People have much they can learn from other people. Encounters with people who have passion are important. Engage actively and widely with the thinking, wisdom, and passion of the people you will meet in the community and the world that stretches out before you. Strive to be sincerely interested in and communicate with many different people. To that end, it is important to be interested in both the other person and in yourself. Take advantage of whatever you learn from those encounters and continue to refine your own qualities and abilities. It is my belief that there is always something to be gained from examining your approach to life and your way of thinking.? I wholeheartedly expect that you will continue to refine your human qualities, grow significantly as individuals, and actively contribute as leaders in the world.
Secondly, it is about "continuously seeking out challenges and striving to overcome them." To do this, adopt a multifaceted perspective, a broad outlook, and a high vantage point to gain a comprehensive view. And then, take the first step. Indeed, it is about having a grand vision and starting with small steps.
Your new journey of lifelong learning in the real world, where there are no right answers or model responses, is about to begin. It is up to each of you to identify the challenges, think of the best solutions, and overcome those challenges. Kanazawa University, where you have just completed your studies, is a comprehensive university. Typically of a comprehensive university, you will have met students and faculty members with diverse ways of thinking and enjoyed the benefits to be found in such encounters. The current and future issues you will confront going forward contain many elements that no-one has ever experienced before. They will require “future-oriented intelligence,” the wisdom to explore current and future issues and overcome them, which is described in Kokorozashi (aspirations), the Future Vision of Kanazawa University. When you encounter those issues, I urge you to maintain a panoramic, whole-picture view of issues from compound perspectives. I want you to boldly take on the challenges of exploring and overcoming a variety of issues without fear of failure. This means holding firmly to a passion to succeed. Develop a clear picture what the future should look like and keep thinking about what should be done and what you will do in response. A multifaceted approach is also crucial to the achievement of your goals. It is my heartfelt wish that you will maintain a panoramic, whole-picture view of issues from compound perspectives as you create innovations and contribute to the growth and prosperity of society both in Japan and abroad.
The third is to "continue learning throughout your life." It means to persist in constant self-discipline.
It is up to each of you to identify the challenges, think of the best solutions, and overcome those challenges.
Once again, please grow with awareness and pride as graduates of Kanazawa University and members of society. Additionally, I hope that you will be blessed with a happy life and enjoy fruitful and wonderful days throughout your lifetime. I earnestly wish that you will set your aspirations, excel on both domestic and international stages as 'Kanazawa University Brand talent,' and contribute to society. With these wishes, I conclude my address.
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Congratulations on this special day.
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??????March 22, 2024
Takashi Wada, President of Kanazawa University
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