About Tokyo Tech

2018 Spring Entrance Ceremony for master's and doctoral program students

(In English)

Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. It is a great pleasure to see you all at Tokyo Tech's 2018 Spring Entrance Ceremony for master's and doctoral degree students. In the presence of administrators, faculty and staff members, special guests, and friends, we are here to extend a warm welcome to the students joining us today. The number of students here is 1,667 for the master's course, 242 for the doctoral course, and 30 for the professional master's course. You have all worked very hard to get to where you are, and I congratulate you on taking a big step towards a better, brighter future.

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, please remember that you, parents and family members here, are now valued members of the Tokyo Tech community. 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. There are currently five of these leading universities in Japan, of which Tokyo Tech is the only science and technology-focused institution. While the Institute has implemented a variety of education and research enhancements since 2016, it is now expected to guide the way towards new achievements in education, research, and societal impact. 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 capabilities, and increased diversity provide students with the multitude of skills and experiences required in the 21st century.

Some of the talents in front of me today may have arrived here with interest in fundamental science, materials science, devices and systems for the IoT era — Internet of Things — and energy science. Tokyo Tech has a long history in these fields and has made many achievements. Others may have interest in cyber-physical and social systems, including artificial intelligence and deep learning, sustainable social infrastructure technology, and holistic life science, such as cell biology and bioinformatics. Tokyo Tech will dedicate more research efforts to these new fields. Whatever your aspirations, you have come to the right place. Tokyo Tech's cutting-edge research is more diverse and interdisciplinary than ever, and from today, you are all a part of this diversity.

By the way, what is "diversity" for you? For some, it may mean the inclusion of people in projects, groups, or organizations regardless of their country of origin, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, or other ideologies. Tokyo Tech has been doing this since 1896, when the first inbound exchange students joined the Institute.

But diversity is much more than just inclusion. 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. A diverse classroom or research team is not only the sum of its components. It also includes the infinite possibilities that may emerge through the interactions in such collaborative groups. However we define it, diversity fosters creativity. As you immerse yourself in your research, I hope you openly share your unique contributions to enrich your own lives and the lives of others.

As Tokyo Tech students, you are now free to enjoy this environment of diversity and autonomy, but the world is also hungry for your leadership. All of you are already leaders in more ways than one, and I encourage you to start exercising and honing these skills. You will pursue your passions and begin to master your field of specialization. Whatever your approach, your active engagement will create positive impact in the science and technology field. This positive impact may reach much further than you can possibly imagine.

Or perhaps, as Tokyo Tech students, you already can imagine.

Once again, congratulations, welcome to Tokyo Tech! Pursue your dreams 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