Heisei 27 Graduate School United Graduate School of Agricultural Science Entrance Ceremony

April 10, 27
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 support them as they grow step by step.

This year, there are 52 new students: 20 Department of Biological Production Science, 6 Department of Applied Life Science, 11 Department of Symbiotic Science of Environment and Natural Resources, 4 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, and 11 Department of Science on Agricultural Economy and Symbiotic Society, including 16 international students from 4 countries around the world. These 52 people will be friends who will help each other and work hard for their respective futures. Even after completing graduate school, some people may become lifelong friends through research and work. Please build a relationship with each other that has a positive impact.

Those of you who choose to enter the United Department of Agriculture will now enter a deeper and more specialized research path. However, in order to master expertise, paradoxical as it may sound, it is necessary to have a bird's-eye view, a broad perspective, and a wide variety of perspectives. If you do not develop your research based on knowledge and ways of thinking in other fields, historical background, social factors, international affairs, etc., you will not be able to overcome various barriers and play an active role as a global innovation leader who promotes research that truly benefits the international community. And Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology is always working hard to create an environment for you and provide you with many opportunities. In addition to the two fields of agriculture and engineering, which are the backbone of industry, we have also developed our fields into interdismal fields that are possible because we combine the two, and we have been doing our utmost to conduct cutting-edge research and develop global innovation leaders with the goals of "realizing a sustainable society" and "building a recycling-oriented society." In addition, the attitude of emphasizing true "freedom" to flexibly take on new challenges without being bound by preconceived notions and frameworks while self-discipline for the sake of goals and missions is a characteristic and strength of our university, which has been cultivated over the long 140 years since its founding. Based on this stance, we have continued to evolve by implementing various advanced initiatives to promote global innovation, such as the establishment of a new research institute and organizational reforms. In addition, we actively collaborate with other institutions and universities, conduct joint research with private companies, and interact with other countries, and are always aware of the diversity and public interest of our research and educational activities while always maintaining a bird's-eye view. The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science that you will enroll in was established in order to collaborate with Ibaraki University and Utsunomiya University beyond the framework of universities, and to develop into more sophisticated and useful front-line agricultural research 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. You must make the most of these characteristics while enhancing yourself. In order to solve many complex 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, it is necessary to innovate at a global level, and it is our mission as those involved in science and technology to be the driving force behind this. 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. I would like you to be fully aware that your research will lead to the construction of a sustainable recycling-oriented society and the creation of a better future, and I hope that you will be able to enrich your new life from tomorrow.

Another important aspect of living as a researcher is willpower and mental strength. Science and technology need to be precise and rigorous. Moreover, it is rather rare for research to proceed smoothly, and many failures and difficulties await. In addition, due to changes in the times, environment, and society, the pursuit of results is never completed, and of course, compromise is not allowed. It is important to relax in daily life, but scientific and technological research cannot be done in moderation. To achieve this, strong will, enthusiasm, and the mental strength to sustain them are important factors. So, how should we cultivate mental strength? The answer is accumulation and discipline. You will have a variety of experiences at this university for the next three years. In response to each of them, success is success, failure is failure, and by accepting it frankly, mental strength will be trained. The specialized knowledge, skills, mental strength, and human skills acquired in this way will never be lost even after leaving this graduate school and entering the workforce. You will be able to excel in any environment and be welcomed as a useful human resource.

Finally, I would like to add one more thing that seems obvious, but very important. As I have just mentioned, the path of academic research requires mental strength and at the same time is physically demanding. You can't continue without a healthy mind and body. In particular, I think that people who come from rural areas and overseas often have various anxieties 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 will be entering United Graduate School of Agricultural Science today will not forget your feelings and will grow greatly toward your dreams, and that you will once again welcome all of you to become members of our university.