About Tokyo Tech

2018 Spring Entrance Ceremony for bachelor's program students

(In English)

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. It is a great pleasure to see you all at Tokyo Tech's 2018 Entrance Ceremony for bachelor's degree students. In the presence of administrators, faculty members, special guests, and friends, we are all here to extend a warm welcome to the new students. The number of students is 1,139 joining us today. I believe that you have been waiting eagerly for this day since you decided to attend Tokyo Tech, and now, it is finally here. Congratulations.

I would also like to congratulate and thank the parents and family members who have joined us here today. You have dedicated so much time, love, and effort to these young men and women. Although we may not be seeing you as often as your sons and daughters in the next four years, please remember that you, parents and families, are valued members of Tokyo Tech. I sincerely welcome you all.

(In Japanese)

On March 20, 2018, Tokyo Tech was selected by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as a Designated National University. Of the five universities designated to guide the way towards new achievements in education, research, and societal impact, Tokyo Tech is the only science and technology university. I sincerely hope that, as proud, mindful members of a united Tokyo Tech, you will join us in creating a better future.

(In English)

Tokyo Tech has spent 137 years training responsible professionals for important roles across society. These professionals have greatly benefited humankind through their leadership, outstanding research, and technical ingenuity. They continue to do so today because Tokyo Tech's student-centered learning environment, cutting-edge research, and increased diversity provide students with the multitude of skills and experiences required in the 21st century.

On this important day, you may have a question, "What do I want to do at Tokyo Tech?" or "How can I make the most of my time here?" You may feel nervous or even fearful about the challenges ahead of you in this new phase in your life. I can tell you that fear plays a part in all of our lives, but you decide to what extent. If you are proactive, Tokyo Tech is a place where you can take charge of your life and start creating a vision of your future. You will receive continuous support from the people around you. Special lectures by world-leading researchers will provide you with the scientific inspiration to dream big, and experts in the liberal arts will guide you through the Tokyo Tech Visionary Project, which you will join soon. As you begin to discover the intellectual path you want to take, I encourage you to view even the toughest of challenges as beneficial. It is these challenges that will help you define how you can innovate and make an impact in this world.

I highlighted diversity as one of the cornerstones of Tokyo Tech, but what is diversity? To some of our incoming students, diversity may mean the inclusion of people in projects, groups, or organizations regardless of their country of origin, culture, or religion. Tokyo Tech has been doing this since 1896, when the first inbound exchange students joined the Institute. This embodiment of diversity is also well-represented by the students in front of me today, who have arrived not only from all over Japan, but also from overseas to join the third cohort of the Global Scientists and Engineers Program, or GSEP.

Diversity, however, comes in many other forms, too. In addition to our inherited characteristics, diversity also refers to the vast range in our communication and learning styles, our knowledge, talent, imagination, interests, and even our lifestyles. Awareness and appreciation of these variances allow us to grow individually through the shared journeys of others. A diverse classroom or research team is not only the sum of its components, but also includes the infinite possibilities that may emerge through the interactions in such collaborative groups. However we define it, diversity fosters creativity. I hope you openly share your unique contributions to enrich your own lives and the lives of others.

One way to combine the fine-tuning of your personal vision with a broader understanding of this diverse world is to study abroad. Tokyo Tech provides a variety of study abroad opportunities, ranging from a few days to several months, to meet the changing needs of all our students. I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. Remember, the world will only embrace you if you embrace the world.

Finally, I want to remind you that Tokyo Tech's buzzing activity is not limited to academics. Joining one of the many extracurricular clubs that Tokyo Tech offers will put you in closer contact with your new peers, providing additional social and cultural dimensions that will develop you both as independent thinkers and team players.

Once again, congratulations, welcome to Tokyo Tech! Enjoy your life at Tokyo Tech with your friends and with all Tokyo Tech members!

April 3, 2018
Kazuya Masu
President, Tokyo Tech

Contact

Public Relations Division, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Email pr@jim.titech.ac.jp