"Be confident in the skills you've cultivated over the past four years" — Spring Semester 2026 Graduation Ceremony Held —

On Friday, September 4th, the 2026 Spring Semester Degree Conferment Ceremony was held at the Ikikando Chapel on the Machida Campus. Although the sky was occasionally drizzling, it was a day wrapped in a pleasant coolness that made us feel the arrival of autumn.
This time, the number of degree recipients was 186 in the bachelor's program, 12 in the master's and master's programs, and 4 in the doctoral program, totaling 202 students. Degree certificates were handed over to the representatives by President Hiroaki Hatayama, and after the ceremony, degrees were presented to all deans of each academic cluster and graduate school. Additionally, the Institute for Japanese Language and Culture (Institute for Japanese Language and Culture) graduation ceremony was held simultaneously, with certificates awarded to six students. The ceremony was enhanced with hymns and choruses, featuring choir singing and the sound of the pipe organ, and was held in the presence of many parents and friends.

In his commencement address, President Hatayama congratulated the graduates, international students, and their parents for their studies amidst dramatic social changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the rapid development of online environments and AI. Touching upon the importance of "the ability to adapt to change," "the ability to ask questions," and "the ability to collaborate," he said, "You have all acquired these abilities to a great extent over the past four years through classes, fieldwork, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. What is important now is how you use and apply them. Graduate with confidence. I know you will be fine." He further spoke of the embodiment of learning and the spirit of Obirin University, saying, "The world is made up of the help of many people. The spirit of 'learning to serve others,' which means using what you have learned for the benefit of people and society, will eventually come back to you as your own happiness and satisfaction. I hope you will live fulfilling lives while considering how you will contribute to society," and sent the graduates off with a smile.