Heisei 26 Graduate School United Graduate School of Agricultural Science Entrance Ceremony

April 11, 26
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Cho Matsunaga Kore

Congratulations to all of you who have enrolled in Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology United Graduate School of Agricultural Science. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations. I would also like to express my sincere congratulations to my family and all those involved who have supported me so far. We ask that you continue to watch over them as they grow step by step.

This year, there are a total of 40 new students: 11 Department of Biological Production Science, 5 Department of Applied Life Science, 13 Department of Symbiotic Science of Environment and Natural Resources, 7 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, and 4 Department of Science on Agricultural Economy and Symbiotic Society, including 11 international students from 4 countries around the world. These 40 people will be reassuring friends who will work hard toward their respective futures. Even after completing graduate school, some people may become lifelong friends through research and work. We hope that we will help and encourage each other and build a good relationship.

I am sure that many of you who have chosen to go on to United Graduate School of Agricultural Science have already set your goals somewhat clearly, and you are here full of motivation to work hard to achieve them. Once again, please draw a strong picture of your dreams and goals in your heart. At the same time, I would like you to be fully aware of the mission of scientists. The situation on the earth in which we live today is by no means healthy and secure. Many problems such as the environment, resources, disasters, and health that have arisen with the evolution of mankind and the development of science and technology and the economy are acting together in a complex manner, and are threatening the survival of humanity and the entire planet at an accelerated pace. Innovation is necessary to change the vector and solve problems, and it is the mission of those of us involved in science and technology to be the driving force of innovation. In particular, the field of agriculture can be said to be the academic field that is most directly related to the healthy survival of humanity in terms of the environment, resources, and food. Your research will lead to the construction of a sustainable recycling-oriented society and the creation of a better future. With that in mind, I would like you to first of all have a firm awareness of what kind of place this graduate school will be where you will spend your time in the future.

This United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, in which you will enroll, was established in order to collaborate with Ibaraki University and Utsunomiya University beyond the framework of universities, and to develop cutting-edge agricultural research that is more sophisticated and useful with an international flavor, while making the most of the characteristics of each research and at the same time supplementing it. The curriculum has a variety of characteristics that are ideal for fostering human resources who will drive the creation of a sustainable recycling-oriented society from a global perspective and contribute globally to the coexistence and welfare of humankind. In order to study in this United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, I would like you to make effective use of these characteristics and acquire a flexible way of thinking that considers things from multiple perspectives and a positive attitude to take on challenges. They will surely be treasures for the rest of your life.

However, it is also true that there are many difficulties and barriers in the path of more advanced and specialized science and technology research in the graduate school, which are incomparably tougher and more painful than those of Campus Life up to now. We have to endure various emotions such as frustration, anxiety, and frustration on days when our efforts are not rewarded, but we still have to repeat experiments, narrow down our wisdom, and continue to work on them. In fact, that's the daily life of a scientist. We, too, are experiencing the pain of childbirth every day in order to promote our research. At such times, I would like you to remember the words of Shoin Yoshida, "If you write one letter a day, you will gain three hundred and six crosses in a year, and if you neglect one night at a time, you will lose thirty-six thousand hours in a hundred years." Anyway, I work hard every day. Even if you fail or feel like giving up and throwing up, remember these words and just take it one step at a time. Even if you feel like you're not making any progress at all, if you hold aloft the dreams and sense of mission that dwell in your hearts as a light in the dark night and keep your feet moving, you will surely reach that goal someday, and you will feel an irreplaceable sense of fulfillment and joy. I hope that you will play an active role as a truly high-quality scientist who will play a central role in solving global issues once you have overcome one difficulty, and who will contribute to building a bright future in which humanity can develop beautifully and richly with compassion for others while coexisting with the natural environment.

Finally, I would like to add one more thing that seems obvious, but very important. The path of academic research can be mentally and physically demanding at times. You can't continue without a healthy mind and body. Especially for those who come from overseas, I think that there are many things that make you anxious in an unfamiliar place. Please take good care of your health and have a fruitful university life. We will continue to do our utmost in all aspects so that we can provide even stronger support to you. I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my hope that all of you who are entering United Graduate School of Agricultural Science today will not forget your feelings today and will grow greatly toward your dreams, and that you will once again welcome all of you to become members of our university.