Congratulations to all of you on your admission to the Graduate School of Yamagata University. On behalf of the university, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you. 

Entering graduate school marks a new challenge, one that builds upon the knowledge and experience you have cultivated thus far and leads you toward more advanced and specialized studies. Each of you has arrived here with your own aspirations. Whether your goal is to deepen your academic inquiry, tackle unexplored challenges, or contribute to society through research, these ambitions are invaluable driving forces that will help shape the future. 

Graduate education is not simply about acquiring existing knowledge. It is a process of identifying questions, seeking answers, and creating new knowledge. Along the way, you may encounter obstacles. Your research may not proceed as expected, and you may find results that differ from your hypotheses or assumptions. 

What is important, however, is not to regard such experiences merely as failures. Through dialogue with fellow students, researchers, and experts from different fields, and by examining issues from diverse perspectives, you may discover new insights and unexpected possibilities. Graduate school is not only a place to deepen your expertise and research skills, but also a place to develop flexibility of thought and the ability to solve complex problems. 

You may also face concerns or uncertainties in your academic life or daily life. When such situations arise, I encourage you not to face them alone. Please seek advice from your academic supervisors, friends, or university faculty and staff. We are committed to providing an environment in which you can pursue your studies and research with confidence and peace of mind. 

Today, our society is changing at an unprecedented pace. Advances in science and technology, including artificial intelligence, have brought tremendous benefits to humanity, while also creating new challenges. The world faces many issues that require solutions, including environmental concerns, energy challenges, demographic changes, and issues affecting local and global communities. In such an era, the knowledge and discoveries generated through graduate education are more important than ever. 

Your research may not transform society overnight. However, every effort you make in pursuit of knowledge contributes to the advancement of scholarship and lays the foundation for future developments. I encourage you to maintain high aspirations, believe in the value of your research, and continue to pursue your goals with determination. 

Graduate school is also a valuable opportunity to broaden your horizons through encounters and exchanges with others. Cherish the discussions and collaborations you have with fellow students who share your passion for learning, and actively embrace new challenges. The relationships you build here will become one of the greatest assets of your life. 

I sincerely hope that your years at Yamagata University will be fulfilling and productive, and that through the creation of new knowledge, you will grow into individuals who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of society. 

With my best wishes for your success and future achievements, I offer these words of welcome. 

Congratulations once again on your admission.President Takeshi Deguchi, October 1 2026

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