First of all, congratulations to all of you who are graduating today and receiving your degrees. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you. 

I would also like to express, on behalf of the university, my sincere gratitude to the families and friends who have supported you throughout your years of study. Your encouragement and care have played an essential role in helping our graduates reach this important milestone. Today is a day of celebration for all of you as well. 

During your time at the university, you have experienced many things. There were undoubtedly moments of joy and achievement that will remain among your most cherished memories. At the same time, there may have been occasions when things did not go as planned, or when you faced challenges in your studies or daily life. Overcoming such difficulties and reaching this day is something of which you should be truly proud. The faculty and staff of Yamagata University commend your efforts and wish you every success as you begin this new chapter in your lives. 

The society in which we live is changing at an unprecedented pace. Advances in technology—particularly in artificial intelligence—are transforming the nature of work. Jobs that once seemed secure may disappear, while entirely new fields and professions are emerging. Situations in which traditional assumptions no longer apply will likely become even more common. 

In such an era, much of the knowledge you acquired at university will eventually become outdated. Younger generations will enter society equipped with newer knowledge and skills. For this reason, it is essential that you continue learning and renewing yourselves throughout your lives. 

What will support you in this ongoing journey are the abilities you developed during your university education—the ability to learn and the ability to think. Critical thinking, which allows you to examine issues from multiple perspectives, and the ability to listen carefully and respectfully to others are examples of the competencies that will serve you throughout your lives. Even if specialized knowledge changes over time, the habits of learning and thinking that you cultivated here will remain a lasting asset. 

As you continue to learn in the years ahead, I encourage you to pay attention not only to topics that naturally interest you, but also to those that may initially seem unrelated to you. 

In today’s society, systems increasingly deliver only the information we prefer to see, hear, or engage with. Without realizing it, our perspectives and choices may be subtly shaped by others. 

To live authentically in such a society, it is important to encounter perspectives we might not seek out on our own—to see what we might prefer not to see, to listen to what we might not wish to hear, and to remain curious about things we might otherwise overlook. By doing so, you will continue to reflect on your own position in the world and deepen your understanding. 

Looking at the global landscape, we see that countries with great economic and military power are expanding their influence, and that individuals with strong voices can significantly shape public opinion. Information manipulation is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and making sound judgments is not always easy. 

Even in a world where misinformation and malicious narratives may spread easily, universities—grounded in academic freedom—remain committed to providing society with reliable knowledge based on facts and evidence. This commitment will not change. As you gain experience in society, there may come a time when you wish to learn again or acquire new knowledge. When that time comes, please return to your alma mater. We will always welcome you warmly. 

Around the world, there are regions where war continues even at this very moment. Its consequences affect not only those directly involved but also people living peacefully in countries like Japan. We are witnessing signs of a world shifting from cooperation toward confrontation, and from peace toward conflict. During the long lives that lie ahead of you, there may be moments when society itself must make profound choices about its future. 

In such times, I hope that you will not remain passive observers of social change. Instead, I encourage you to think for yourselves and to help shape the direction in which society moves. Because this is an age of uncertainty, it is also an age of great possibility. Do not fear change. Embrace challenges, pursue what you believe in, and move forward with courage. I look forward to seeing the many ways in which you will contribute to society. 

Please also remember the support you have received—from your families, from those who encouraged you along the way, and from the alumni associations and local communities connected with each faculty and graduate school. Carry your gratitude with you as you move forward in life. 

In closing, I sincerely hope that your future unfolds in a society where you can live authentically, where every person is respected, and where peace prevails. With these wishes, I conclude my address. 

Thank you, and once again, congratulations.

                                                                                     President Tamate Hidetoshi, March 25 2026