2014 Graduation Ceremony and Degree Conferment Ceremony

March 25, 27

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Cho Matsunaga Kore

Congratulations to all of you graduating from Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology today and completing your graduate studies. On behalf of the faculty and staff of the university, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations. This year, there are Faculty of Agriculture 315 students and 611 Faculty of Engineering degree holders, Graduate School of Engineering 340 master's degree holders, 37 Graduate School of Engineering Specialist degree students, 170 Graduate School of Agriculture master's degree students, 70 master's degree holders, Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering Graduate School of Engineering 29 doctoral students, 16 doctoral students, Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering United Graduate School of Agricultural Science 26 doctoral students, and 6 dissertation doctoral degree holders, for a total of 1,620 students. I am sure that each and every one of you here today is filled with a sense of fulfillment that you have "done it", a sense of loneliness that Campus Life is over, and anticipation and anxiety about your new life from April. But let's take a moment to look back. I believe that the reason why we were able to hold the graduation ceremony and completion ceremony safely today is because of the warm and tangible support of my family, friends, and other people around me. Giving back to these people is nothing less than having you play an active role in your respective career paths. Please keep that feeling in mind and move forward with your life in the future. In addition, these 1,620 people who share joy with us today will become good friends in each other's lives, partners in facing difficulties together, and rivals with whom we will work hard. I hope that you will continue to cherish the relationships that you have cultivated at this university for a long time to come.

Graduation is often likened to "setting sail." Anything can happen in life. It's like setting out on an unknown ocean, with a triumphant departure in anticipation of future glory, but the route is not always smooth sailing, with days of the bright morning sun and starry skies that threaten to spill out, days of high waves, and stormy nights. Also, of course, there is someone to help you, but there is no one to guide you all the time, and in the end you have to go on your own. And the university was in the port, and Campus Life was the time to prepare for that voyage. In order to get through the unpredictable voyage safely, I believe that you have prepared yourself by loading enough fuel, water, and food, and acquiring the knowledge and skills to maneuver the ship to read the direction of the wind and changes in the weather and choose the best course. While inheriting the long history and tradition of the 140 years since its founding, this Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has constantly evolved by focusing on strengthening advanced research capabilities and fostering advanced innovation leaders who can compete with the world. I have created a better environment for our students through an attractive curriculum, a talented faculty lineup, collaboration with industry, and the promotion of International Exchange, and I have provided many opportunities and sometimes challenges to help you prepare yourself for the world to be ready to step out into the ocean of the world and demonstrate your strength toward the realization of a sustainable society. I am sure that the abilities and spirit that you have inherited cultivated and honed at this university will be of great use to you in various aspects of your future. No matter what the environment, you will surely be able to demonstrate your abilities to the fullest and play an active role. And don't forget. As a scientist and researcher, the most important thing is a passion for the pursuit of truth. It is precisely when we are lost in darkness that we must seek the spark of truth. It is the only salvation in the midst of all difficulties. Don't be deceived by illusions and false lights. You know how to tell the real light through this Campus Life. You can't find it if you're lying on your back. If you believe that you will find it, and if you look diligently without fear or panic, you will definitely see it, even if it is small. And once you find it, never look away. If you do that, you will surely be able to overcome your anxiety, find the right route, and face the next sunrise. Jump into a new world with confidence, keep moving forward without forgetting how you feel now, and improve yourself even more. And with the power of your youth, please move the world.

I hope that the next time I see you, I will be able to see you grow even more and be reliable. In addition, we will make further efforts to create a powerful university that is recognized around the world by promoting various challenging initiatives and global innovation so that our university can become a reassuring foundation that you can be proud of as your alma mater, and so that we can help you in the best possible way at any time. I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my sincere hope that mutual interaction will continue to deepen meaningfully through alumni association activities and each other's work, and that I would like to conclude my remarks by wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.