Academic Year 2020 Autumn Commencement Ceremony (September 25th, 2020)

It is my honor to be here today to congratulate you on the successful completion of your studies at Kyushu University and to thank your family members who have supported you in your studies and research, the teachers who have guided you, and the many others who have been an influential part of your academic life.
Since the beginning of this year, the infection of Covid-19 has spread all over the world,
Covid-19 has a tremendous impact on socio-economics around the world and limits daily life.I think that everyone has had a hard time.
Despite the difficult situation, I am happy to report that 413 of you are being awarded degrees: 60 a bachelor’s degree, 146 a master’s degree, 6 a professional degree, and 201 a doctorate. 272 of you are international students. I would like to express my deepest respect to you for your dedication to your studies and give my heartfelt congratulations on being awarded your degrees today.

During the years that you have spent here the Kyushu University, the world has seen many changes, both within Japan and overseas. I would like to look back over these events.

On the international front, in 2017, Emmanuel Macron won the French presidency. At 39 years old, he became the youngest ever president of France.Due to repeated missile tests by North Korea, international tension has grown.In 2018, The North Korea–United States summit was held in Singapore.In 2019, Boris Johnson was appointed as British Prime Minister.Massive protests took place in Hong Kong over the revised "Fug Crimes Ordinance" that would allow criminal suspects to be sent to mainland China.In 2020, US kills top Iranian general in Baghdad air strike. The UK formally left the EU. Global pandemic of Coronavirus Disease. COVID-19 infections are devastating to the socio-economic and international communities around the world. China passes sweeping Hong Kong national security law.

Closer to home, in 2017, on July 5 and 6, torrential rains occurred in Northern Kyushu. This disaster caused extensive damage to Northern Kyushu, especially for Asakura city, Fukuoka.Kyushu University formed an “investigation, recovery, and reconstruction assistance mission” through the collaboration of our researchers and students in various fields, and provided effective assistance to the disaster area.On a happy note, Fukuoka’s Oki-island was selected as a World Cultural Heritage site.In 2018, Japan frequently suffered from natural disasters and extreme weather.Big arthquakes hit Osaka and Hokkaido, torrential rains occurred in Western Japan.In 2019, a new era named “Reiwa” began on May 1.The historical Kofun area of Osaka was given World Heritage status on July 6.In 2020, on March 24th, Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics has been postponed to 2021 due to the concerns on the worldwide COVID-19.On April 7th, State of emergency was declared in Japan.On July, Heavy rain unleashed flooding across Kyushu.The Suga Cabinet started on Septemmber 16th. 

Two years ago on September 29th, the Ito Campus Completion Ceremony was held, and I announced the Ito Campus Declaration, in which I express gratitude for the past and commitment to the future as Kyushu University begins its journey into a new era at Ito Campus.
    1.　Producing world-leading professionals and new scientific breakthroughs
　 2.　Pioneering the frontier of future research and experimentation
　 3.　Coexisting in harmony with our historical and natural environment 

The Hospital, Ohashi, and Chikushi Campuses are undergoing redevelopment. The buildings on the Hakozaki Campus are steadily being dismantled with a view to the sale of the site. 

This, then, is the state of the world, Japan, and Kyushu University as you all set out on a new path today.　
As representatives of the university, in order to create a better world, it is vital for us to acknowledge and respect each other’s differences and diversity, whether in terms of ethnic background, religion, culture, or perceptions, and to promote and maintain a variety of exchanges and interactions, especially in the fields of research and education.I believe that we also need to present a prescription for the future of society, proposing and spreading new values and cultural directions.
From what I have seen of your many accomplishments during your time at Kyushu University, I have very high hopes for your future success in creating a better world. 

I am sure that you will face various difficulties in the years to come. We must live in the era with and post Corona. When you are confronted by problems, it is important to have a motto or mindset to encourage you. As my parting gift to you, I would like you to remember the three Cs: Challenge. Change. Creation. 

In December last year, Dr. Tetsu Nakamura, a Post Professor at the Kyushu University Institute for Advanced Study, was killed by a bullet in Afghanistan.It is extremely regrettable that he lost his life in this way, and I am truly saddened by his death.Dr. Nakamura graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of Kyushu University in 1973, and he was a great mentor to all of you.Since he became the local representative of the Peshawar-kai, he has been engaged in medical activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and he has continued water conservation projects for the reconstruction of rural areas and has constructed a 25 km long canal in Afghanistan.I heard that Dr. Nakamura repeatedly told his son the importance of “Demonstrate by your actions“, and I believe that these projects are the result of his energy.Dr. Nakamura said, "If someone is in need, I will reach out to them. It is a normal thing to do.”I hope that you will inherit this compassion and the ability to translate it into actual action. 

Kyushu University values its alumni relations with the alumni who graduated from Kyushu University.The Kyushu University Alumni Association includes undergraduate and graduate alumni associations, regional alumni associations in each region, and overseas alumni associations.In addition, there are many other groups organized by seminars and club activities.We hope that you will keep in touch with Kyushu University and deepen your friendship after graduation.
The university will continue to promote exchanges with you by actively sending out information. 

I hope that you will be proud to be alumni of Kyushu University and that you will use what you have learned here to pursue your dreams and to blaze a trail to the future, becoming leaders who provide the impetus that will drive global society. I bid you farewell and good luck.

September 25, 2020
Chiharu Kubo
President, Kyushu University