DEGUCHI Takeshi, President 

Value Taking Initiative Yourself

Congratulations on your admission.

 University life differs significantly from your previous learning and living environments. You will likely encounter many opportunities to take on new challenges, such as studying specialized fields, acquiring skills, and living independently on your own. Taking the initiative to start things yourself is important, as it enriches your life experiences and promotes personal growth. By meeting and interacting with a variety of people, you will encounter new perspectives and broaden your horizons. Furthermore, I hope that your experiences at university will also provide you with opportunities to discover what you truly want to do and the path you should pursue.

 On the other hand, changes in your environment can sometimes heighten anxiety more than the anticipation of new challenges. Starting something new on your own in a new environment may not be easy for everyone. Yamagata University will fully support your endeavors. Precisely because we live in an era where the future is difficult to predict, we expect your challenges from here on will become the driving force that shapes the future society.

MURAYAMA Hideki, Executive Director and Vice President for Planning, Evaluation, and International Affairs

Four Years to Broaden Your Horizons and Open Your Future

Congratulations to all new students on your enrollment. University life is an irreplaceable time that will be a major turning point in your lives. 

Especially during your first year, please explore as many fields as possible and learn with great enthusiasm. While deepening your expertise is certainly important, the broad perspective and fundamental knowledge that form its foundation will become a great strength in the future.

Also, don't close your gaze inward; direct it outward. The ability to view things from a global perspective is indispensable in the coming era. Challenging yourself with study abroad is one option. Yamagata University offers various international exchange programs, including student ambassador dispatch initiatives.

 Of course, international exchange isn't limited to studying abroad. Our university hosts approximately 300 international students. Actively interacting with them in daily campus life allows you to encounter diverse values. We sincerely hope each of these experiences contributes to your personal growth.

OMORI Katsura, Executive Director and Vice President for Education, Student Services, Admissions

Welcome to Yamagata University!

Congratulations on your admission. All faculty and staff will do our utmost to support you in leading a fulfilling university life. Your time here is likely the most free and challenging period of your life. How you spend your free time is entirely up to you. We encourage you to explore diverse interests and take proactive action. Failure is also a valuable experience. Our university is one of the largest comprehensive universities in the Tohoku region. Through classes, club activities, and more, you have the potential to meet people with diverse values and strengths, and to find lifelong friends and mentors. While the increasing digitization of classes and procedures is convenient and efficient, it's equally important to learn from your own real-world experiences and through direct dialogue with others. We hope that during your time here, you will encounter many different perspectives and ways of thinking, learn not to accept information uncritically, and cultivate your own sensibilities. By accumulating these experiences, we hope you will discover a significantly grown version of yourself upon graduation or completion of your studies.

HIRAKAWA Yasuhiro, Executive Director and Vice President for General Affairs, Human Resources, and Finance

Creating a Harassment-Free, Comfortable Environment

 Welcome to Yamagata University! Congratulations to all new students on your enrollment.

Our university strives to be an institution where every student and staff member can focus on education, research, and work in a psychologically and physically safe and comfortable environment, enjoying a fulfilling campus life.

As you embark on your student life through classes, clubs, and other activities, you will meet many people and build relationships.

However, harassment is absolutely unacceptable. Should you ever encounter academic harassment, sexual harassment, or any other form of harassment, please actively utilize the university's consultation services.

Furthermore, we will do our utmost to support you by implementing student-centered financial management, including allocating budgets to ensure your comfort and well-being.

AITA Atsushi, Executive Director and Vice President for Social Co-creation and Facilities

Let’s build a future full of hope with an open mind!

To all new students, congratulations on your admission.

We are fully committed to supporting you so that your new student life in Yamagata will be both enjoyable and fulfilling, serving as a vital foundation for your future success.

We are living in an era of profound transformation unlike anything we have ever experienced. As past experiences and conventional wisdom no longer apply, it is essential that unique individuals with flexible mindsets continuously create new concepts, methods, technologies, and ideas—and give back to society—in order to proactively navigate the tides of change and build a better society and a rich, happy life. Furthermore, we believe it is essential to continue enhancing the value of these innovations by collaborating with diverse individuals, organizations, and groups to create synergies and fusions, and to work together to pioneer the next era.

　In your student life ahead, cherish your own thoughts and values while seeking encounters with various people, opportunities, and places, and actively take on new challenges in everything you do. Believe that beyond that lies a new version of yourself that shines even brighter than you do today.

Take even one step forward! Climb even a little higher! We, the university staff, will work in partnership with people from across the prefecture and beyond to wholeheartedly support your diverse challenges.

 IIZUKA Hiroshi, Executive Director and Vice President for Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration

Enjoy interacting with a diverse group of people and engage in research

Congratulations on your admission. To ensure that your university life is both enjoyable and meaningful, we will support your participation in club activities and research-related endeavors. University is a place where you can conduct “research” based on your own free thinking. The joy of research lies in the sudden occurrence of “discontinuous changes.” After wrestling with a problem for a long time, there are moments when you encounter a discontinuity so striking that you can’t help but exclaim, “Ah!” “The true and pure value of truth, beauty, and goodness in human activity arises from a unique act: the act of pouring one’s undivided attention onto an object” (Simone Weil, *Gravity and Grace*). That act is “research.” Let’s take our first step toward a space for stimulating exchange (open innovation) with a diverse group of people from various backgrounds.

IKEDA Megumi, Executive Director and Vice President for Public Relations

The World That Opens Up from Yamagata 

To all new students, congratulations on your admission.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the parents and guardians who have supported you to get this far.
University life is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is a precious time to broaden your interests and horizons while meeting many new people. The region where Yamagata University is located is blessed with nature that changes with the seasons, and you can learn a great deal from the daily lives and culture of the local people.
I myself have faced many challenges in the world of sports, and there were times when things didn’t go as planned or when I felt lost. Each time, I felt supported by those around me, and I believe I was able to move forward, little by little.
Your time at university may not always provide immediate answers. Please don’t rush; instead, take on various challenges at your own pace. I sincerely hope that what you learn and the people you meet here will lead you to a new world that extends far beyond Yamagata.

ITO Hiroshi, Vice President in charge of J-PEAKS

Yamagata University is a research institution with distinctive strengths. Let’s enjoy the research we do here!

Congratulations on your admission!

I sincerely hope that your upcoming university life will be both enjoyable and rewarding.

In January 2025, Yamagata University was selected for the “Regional Core and Distinctive Research Universities” initiative by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and will play a key role in this important endeavor alongside 25 other national, public and private universities across the country.

The fact that Yamagata University was selected alongside Hirosaki University in the Tohoku region offers great hope for its development.

The goal of this initiative is to strengthen the university’s research capabilities and establish Yamagata University as a research institution recognized not only in Japan but also worldwide. To achieve this goal, we will deepen collaboration and research across faculties.

Our aim is to provide an environment at Yamagata University where you can freely and fully pursue the research you dreamed of as a child. The university is a place where everyone — students and faculty alike — can explore their own research interests. Your interests and challenges will be the driving force behind our activities as a 'regional core research university with distinctive characteristics'.

So, let's embark on some exciting research activities together!

TSUCHIYA Norihiko, Vice President for Hospital

To All Aspiring Future Healthcare Professionals: A Message for Your New Beginning

Congratulations to all new students and their parents on your enrollment. On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, we extend our warmest welcome. 

Our university has established a comprehensive support system where faculty and staff collaborate to ensure every student can study with peace of mind and enjoy a fulfilling student life. The Faculty of Medicine provides an advanced learning environment, including educational content utilizing VR (virtual reality) technology and simulation-based education grounded in the Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine Advanced Innovation Center (YU-MAI). Furthermore, you will have abundant opportunities to engage with world-class medicine and healthcare, including cutting-edge cancer treatments at the East Japan Heavy Ion Center and community-based cohort studies. 

To support students both academically and personally, we have enhanced our mentor system and counseling services, providing attentive support. We hope that your learning and experiences here will foster your growth into medical professionals capable of contributing broadly, from regional healthcare to the international community.

NABIKA Hideki, Vice President for Information

Take That First Step Toward a 120% College Experience

Congratulations on your admission. What matters most in your new life is “what you choose to do with the environment you've been given.” It's never too late to start something new. Within the environment of Yamagata University, take that first step toward new challenges.

AI, in particular, has become a powerful tool fundamentally transforming society. In this era where technology evolves across all academic fields, the “ability to combine knowledge”—fusing deep expertise with a broad perspective—is indispensable. The university is filled with mechanisms designed to help you develop this ability and foster your growth. Keep your antennae up and make the most of this environment at 120%.

We, the faculty and staff, will fully support your proactive endeavors. Let's build a fruitful student life together at Yamagata University.

MORIOKA Takashi, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Dean, Graduate School of Creative Studies in Society and Culture

I look forward to your challenges and leaps forward.

Congratulations to all new students on your enrollment. 

You will now pursue your individual interests and passions across the diverse fields of the humanities and social sciences. However, regardless of which field you study, and regardless of which field you aim for after graduation, the ability to deeply understand the culture and society created by humans is indispensable. We, the entire faculty and staff, will support and encourage you with all our strength as you step out from this campus, equipped with that ability, to become people who can realize your own dreams and help others.

Make the most of your student life. Set ambitious goals you wish to achieve during your time here. Of course, merely setting goals is not enough. It is crucial to tackle the small, immediate challenges necessary for their realization with all your strength and see them through. This builds your confidence and earns the trust and expectations of others. The time given to you is not infinite. We sincerely look forward to your challenges and leaps forward.

TSURU Toshihide, Dean, Faculty of Education; Dean, Professional School of Education

Toward a Future of Challenge and Discovery

Congratulations to all new students on your enrollment. You are a vital generation who will carry forward our tradition of teacher training spanning over 140 years and pioneer the new Faculty of Education launching in the 2026 academic year, creating a new chapter in our history together.

We have prepared meticulously for this day, establishing the finest practical environment to address contemporary educational challenges. State-of-the-art learning facilities utilizing ICT, practical training programs in collaboration with local communities and affiliated schools, and a comprehensive guidance system extending through to the Graduate School of Education—everything is in place to support your learning journey.

In today's educational landscape, where complex challenges without clear answers abound, the ability to serve as a “facilitator” connecting schools, communities, and families is essential. Embrace the challenges with both deep contemplation and excitement. While anxiety is natural in any new chapter, you are not alone. We will support you wholeheartedly as you step forward without fear of failure. Let us create the future of education together.

Let “Why” Be Your Driving Force!

Congratulations on your admission. On behalf of the Faculty of Science, I extend a warm welcome to all new students.

In the Faculty of Science, research seeks to answer the “whys” of the natural world. Interestingly, the more we learn through research, the more we realize how much remains unknown. This is because when you know nothing, you cannot even recognize your own “whys.” I encourage you all to learn broadly at university and to cultivate your own “whys.” It is precisely this spirit of continually asking “why” that becomes the driving force behind creating new knowledge and technology.

Moreover, life is full of surprises. Taking a new step often leads to unexpected discoveries and encounters, which may become turning points in your life. At university, we provide various learning opportunities through lectures, experiments, and practical training. However, these are merely catalysts for you to take new steps on your own. Please do not hesitate to trust your own interests and take that step toward new challenges.

NAGASE Satoru, Dean, Faculty of Medicine; Dean, Graduate School of Medicine

As compassionate, thoughtful healthcare professionals, we support community medicine and compete globally.

Congratulations to all new students on your admission. We sincerely celebrate this significant step forward in entering medical school.

Established in 1973 with the founding principle of “cultivating compassionate, thoughtful physicians,” our medical department was created to meet the high expectations of our local community. Furthermore, in April 1993, the first four-year national university nursing program in the Tohoku and Hokkaido region was established here, and since then, we have produced many medical professionals active both domestically and internationally.

The Faculty of Medicine has long been committed to improving the educational environment, particularly enhancing clinical education. The YU-MAI Center was newly established in 2024 as a space for simulator-based education to master practical clinical skills and for interactive active learning. Renovated libraries and lecture halls remain open late into the night, fostering an environment for self-directed learning.

The Faculty of Medicine is also distinguished by its robust extracurricular activities. The experiences gained and the connections formed through these activities cultivate rich human qualities.

All faculty and staff are committed to supporting you in building a bright future. We wish you a fulfilling student life.

NONOMURA Yoshimune, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; Dean, Graduate School of Science and Engineering

Welcome to the Faculty of Engineering!

Congratulations on your admission! Though it's been decades since I was a university student myself, I can still vividly recall the excitement I felt upon entering university.

What do you want to do now that you're university students? Live on your own, work part-time, join club activities, go to festivals and travel with friends... Try everything you imagined during high school. Yamagata University offers countless opportunities for enjoyment.

And when you reach your fourth year, I strongly recommend joining a research lab and dedicating yourself to research. Yamagata University is one of 25 universities selected for J-PEAKS, a program supporting distinctive research. We have many professors engaged in cutting-edge global research and unique studies found only here. I look forward to the day we can learn and discuss seriously together.

WATANABE Toru, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Dean, Graduate School of Agriculture

Make the most of your environment to enhance your value!

Congratulations on your admission. First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for choosing the Faculty of Agriculture at Yamagata University.

With the recent surge in rice and vegetable prices, the issue of food has drawn significant public attention. Food issues are complex, extending beyond crop production in fields to encompass the resources and environment that support it, as well as economic and social factors. Society has high expectations for you, as students in our single-department Faculty of Agriculture, who are comprehensively learning a wide range of knowledge and skills related to food and agriculture. We hope you will leverage the advantage of living in Yamagata, an agricultural prefecture, to grow into valuable individuals who possess specialized knowledge and firsthand understanding of the realities of rural areas and local communities.

During your university years, challenge yourselves to enhance your value. For instance, in our internationally active Faculty of Agriculture, engaging with international students and participating in overseas training programs is highly recommended. Master's and doctoral degrees also objectively demonstrate your value. Collaboration with Keio University, primarily for master's programs, has begun. Although you have just enrolled, we encourage you to start considering graduate school now.

WATANABE Nobuaki, Program Director, School of Collaborative Regional Innovation and Data Science

Let's create the future together!

Congratulations to all new students on your enrollment. We are truly delighted to welcome you as the second cohort of the School of Collaborative Regional Innovation and Data Science.

Solving the complex challenges facing modern society requires individuals with multifaceted perspectives. Our program provides an environment where you can cultivate the spirit to tackle these challenges and hone the advanced knowledge and skills to support that endeavor. Make full use of this environment and spend four fulfilling years here. Yamagata University is home to diverse experts and peers, and the local community offers countless opportunities for new encounters. Engaging with others will significantly foster your growth. Our faculty and staff are fully committed to supporting your journey.

If you feel apprehensive about new challenges, start by stretching yourself just a little. That first step will become a solid foundation for your continued growth and help shape your unique individuality. Let us challenge and create together.

MORI Hideharu, Dean, Graduate School of Organic Materials Science

Toward a Fruitful Graduate School Experience

 Congratulations on your admission to graduate school.

Graduate school is positioned in society as the final educational and research program at the highest level of academic pursuit. At our university, a tradition spanning centuries in organic materials research has been passed down steadily, including Japan's first successful synthesis of rayon in 1913. Building on this legacy, our Graduate School is recognized as the premier institution for organic materials research, delivering graduate education and research of the highest caliber.

For example, we collaborate with various research centers to provide practical education within a world-class research environment. Many faculty members are also involved in the “Regional Core and Distinctive Research University” initiative adopted by Yamagata University. We encourage you to actively pursue research that interests you. We also engage in education and research leveraging our network with domestic and international companies and educational institutions. Opportunities to present at academic conferences and research meetings will likely arise. We hope you will actively take advantage of these various opportunities, making your graduate school experience a fruitful and fulfilling time.

KOYA Hiroshi, University Auditor

Building the Foundation for Your Future in Yamagata

Congratulations on your enrollment.

Yamagata Prefecture—and the cities of Yamagata, Yonezawa, and Tsuruoka where you will study and live—are not large cities. Yet they overflow with people, things, and experiences worthy of deep exploration. Through your studies and research, discover treasures; and through building friendships, find lifelong treasures.

Though raised in different environments and coming from diverse backgrounds, you will meet at this university and share time and space, deepening your mutual understanding. Those who study and live in Yamagata will go on to support Japan and the world from their respective regions. Strive to build the foundation for your future—contributing to society while enjoying your own life.

However, starting a new life inevitably brings anxieties. There are many people around you who can listen and offer advice. Don't hesitate—reach out to faculty, staff, or friends early on. We're all here to support you.

Settle in, think deeply, learn, and enjoy life in Yamagata. We look forward to seeing you grow healthy and strong.