Japanese

Hiroshima University (HU) held its Commencement Ceremony for the 2025 academic year on March 23, 2026, at the Higashi-Hiroshima Sports Park Gymnasium.

This year, a total of 3,718 students graduated or completed their programs, including 2,349 undergraduate students (15 of whom were international students), nine advanced course students, and 1,360 graduate students (241 of whom were international students).

Under a clear blue sky, graduates dressed in formal attire and suits gathered with their families at the venue to celebrate a new beginning filled with gratitude and hope. The ceremony was also live streamed on YouTube.

In his address, HU President Mitsuo Ochi praised the students for reaching this milestone after overcoming numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and encouraged them to remember the support of their families and all those who helped them along the way.

He also emphasized the importance of respecting diverse values and never giving up on dialogue, even in difficult circumstances, especially in today’s world where peace and democracy face ongoing challenges. Referring to the rapid spread of generative AI, he noted that it is humans who must decide “what questions to ask,” and encouraged students to cultivate the ability to formulate their own questions, discern value, and work collaboratively with others to shape the future.

In closing, he urged the graduates to move forward confidently on their respective paths as internationally minded individuals who seek peace and embrace challenges.

Following the ceremony, President Ochi personally presented diplomas to each doctoral degree recipient, and commemorative photographs were taken.

In the afternoon, diplomas and degrees were conferred by each school and graduate school.

Full text of the President’s address is available here (English)(Japanese)

*Photos of the Commencement Ceremony will also be shared on HU's official social media channels.