About Tokyo Tech

Fall Entrance Ceremony 2018

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. It is my great pleasure to hold the Tokyo Tech 2018 Fall Entrance Ceremony in the presence of the Board of Directors, deans, directors, and special guests. We are gathered here to celebrate the new students joining us today. You have all worked hard to come this far, and you should be proud of your achievements. Let us also congratulate your parents and families, and express our gratitude for the time and effort they have dedicated to your life and academic success to date.

This fall, total enrollment is 466 students, with 2 entering the bachelor's degree program, 287 entering the master's degree program, 10 entering the professional master's degree program, and 167 entering the doctoral degree program. Among you, we welcome 367 overseas students. You are all now members of Tokyo Tech — a diverse and multicultural community which will provide you with a truly unique experience.

Tokyo Tech has been sharing these experiences for over 137 years. Since its beginnings, the Institute has strived to nurture ambitious students with strong scholastic abilities, diverse perspectives and approaches that provide real-world solutions, and the creative competence to become pioneers in various fields of science and technology. While firmly adhering to these commitments, Tokyo Tech has also recently implemented various changes to enhance its curriculum and boost its research strengths. These efforts were recognized earlier this year as Tokyo Tech was selected as a Designated National University to lead society into the future. Therefore, whatever your aspirations, it is an exciting time to be here. Tokyo Tech's cutting-edge research is more diverse and interdisciplinary than ever, and from today, you are all part of this diversity.

For some of you, diversity may mean the inclusion of people in projects or groups regardless of their country of origin, socioeconomic status, age, or other characteristics. However, diversity is much more than that. It also refers to the vast range in our communication, learning, and research styles, our knowledge, talent, imagination, interests, and even our lifestyles. And most importantly, it refers to the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive environment. Tokyo Tech provides this environment. Now it is your task to explore. Develop your awareness and appreciation of diversity, and you will grow individually through the shared journeys of others.

In an attempt to summarize this broad concept of diversity, members throughout the Tokyo Tech community formulated what we call the Tokyo Tech 2030 statement. Today, I would like to share three words found at the core of this statement, three actions which reflect the spirit of collaboration at Tokyo Tech, but which will also help each of you build your individual strengths. These actions are pursue… engage…and transfer.

Tokyo Tech knowledge is born from creativity, and we value the unique expertise of each individual. Therefore, as the newest members of the Institute, I ask you all to pursue. Pursue unconventional ideas and approaches. Pursue answers, but also questions. Pursue discovery and excellence. Pursue your vision, your passions, your dreams.

As new members of Tokyo Tech, I also ask you to engage. Engage your professors and fellow students. Engage your audience. Engage the community. Engage in dialogue and debate. Engage in learning and research, but also in sports, art, music, and volunteer activities. The more you engage with your diverse surroundings, the more you will develop yourself and those around you.

And lastly, I ask you to transfer. Transfer information to one another. Transfer your skills to those around you who are willing to learn. Transfer the various forms of knowledge you acquire to benefit the lives of others. As students of Japan's finest university in science and technology, you can share your novel ideas to motivate others and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of those who need our help the most.

Congratulations to you all, and welcome to the Tokyo Tech community!

September 26, 2018
Kazuya Masu
President, Tokyo Tech

Contact

Public Relations Division, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Email pr@jim.titech.ac.jp