2023 Fall Opening Ceremony Welcome Address from the President

Congratulations to all of you who today become students of Kyushu University. On behalf of the entire Kyushu University faculty and staff, we would also like to congratulate all of the family and friends, as well as the teachers who have supported and encouraged you on your path to university.

Today, we welcome a total of 455 new students, including 34 undergraduate students, 361 graduate students, and 60 new international students on short-term study abroad programs (JTW and JLCC). Again, I would like to extend a very special welcome to all of our new students.

I would first like to ask you to think about why you chose to study at Kyushu University.
Let me share with you the educational and academic philosophy of Kyushu University. Founded in 1911, Kyushu University is recognized for its high academic standards and cutting-edge research, which are built upon wisdom cultivated over more than a century of history and tradition.
Our Education Charter stipulates that our mission is to instill in our students a strong sense of humanity, social responsibility, global citizenship, and an appreciation for creativity and originality in scholarship. In addition, our Research Charter stipulates that we shall carry out our mission of handing down to future generations, a basic attitude of respect for humanity’s timeless pursuit of knowledge and the wisdom realized therein. Kyushu University ascribes the highest value to creative and original research and pays the utmost respect to academic freedom and the autonomy of researchers, and we shall endeavor, according to our conscience and good sense, to promote research activities that respect human life and human dignity.

We have unveiled Kyushu University VISION 2030, which outlines our plan to become a university that drives social change with integrative knowledge as we approach the year 2030. Kyushu University’s notion of "integrative knowledge" is knowledge that synthesizes the entire spectrum of research—from the natural sciences to the humanities and social sciences and even design—to create the new insights and ways of thinking needed to solve the complex social issues facing humankind. We are currently developing initiatives that can enhance education and research and contribute to social change.

Although you will all go on to deepen your understanding in a major field of study as you work toward your respective goals, I encourage you to challenge yourselves to explore additional subject areas and make a point of socializing with a diverse group of people. These challenges will lead to different perspectives and ideas that will, in turn, generate the integrative knowledge that leads to new discoveries and new values. Universities are the repositories of the wisdom that has been passed down throughout human history and tradition. Starting today, you are a part of that legacy.

In today's world, we are surrounded by a number of concerns; the COVID-19 pandemic that has now continued for over three years; Russia's invasion of Ukraine that began in 2022; and this summer’s record-breaking heat wave that has been said to be the “era of global boiling.” Indeed, we are constantly facing these challenges .
Although I have mentioned too many dark topics, it is important to remember that there is always light. Shohei Ohtani's triumphs for the Los Angeles Angels have been amazing which makes me proud. Watching him play was a weekend morning ritual for me. I encourage each of you, just like Shohei Ohtani, to chase your dreams with hope and dedication.

Recent advancements in science and technology are truly astounding, but how should we approach the evolving realm of artificial intelligence?　There are many arguments for the educational use of ChatGPT. Here at Kyushu University, we do not intend to simply regulate the use of ChatGPT.　We hope each of you will fully understand this new technology appropriately. We encourage you to engage with the technology thoughtfully, considering potential concerns and using it to contribute to your personal growth.　

We have four main campuses where our education and research activities take place. At 2.5km long and 3km wide and covering an area of over 272 hectares, Ito Campus is one of the largest campuses in Japan, welcoming around 20,000 people each day. As a center of integrated science and demonstration experiments, Ito Campus is home to the latest research facilities and equipment as well as the Central Library, which boasts the latest technology and a collection of more than 3.5 million books. The Hospital Campus, equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and facilities, is one of Asia’s Bio-Medical Science Centers, and Ohashi Campus serves as our Advanced Design Center, and Chikushi Campus as our Advanced Science Fusion Center. The unique characteristics and configurations of these campuses combine to promote a variety of initiatives, including the expansion of joint research and the practical application and commercialization of research findings.
Many of you may be anxious about what lies ahead as you begin your new student life away from your home, your family, and even your homeland. At Kyushu University, support and consultation services are available to help you acclimate to campus life, and faculty and administrative staff are also doing their utmost to ensure that education and research activities are carried out at the highest standards.
 
The Central Library on Ito Campus also houses the Dr. Nakamura Tetsu Memorial Archive. We are particularly proud of this alumnus, Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, who engaged in medical activities in Afghanistan for many years. He devoted himself to constructing irrigation canals in an effort to bring stability to the region. We invite everyone to explore and learn from his way of thinking and his way of doing.

In closing, I would like to again send you my warm welcome. We now became fellow compatriots to explore the world of knowledge. Your voyage of your study with your diligence will lead you to a bright future, and we will always be the guide and support. In these uncertain and challenging times, I hope all of you will keep an eye on the state of the world as you start your journey to fulfill your academic aims. I wish you all good luck.

Once again, congratulations on your enrollment.

October 2, 2023
President, Kyushu University
Tatsuro Ishibashi