Congratulations to all the Amagasaki and Miki Campus graduates on their graduation.I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on receiving your master's and bachelor's degrees.
Now, the ceremony will be held in a way that is quite different from the usual graduation ceremony.While many universities have canceled their diploma conferment ceremonies, the fact that they were held twice in four groups, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, is a great opportunity for everyone to clearly experience and remember this turning point, which is the point of growth for everyone. Because I wantedSince the modern school education system was established after the Meiji era, I don't think there were many cases where graduation ceremonies were canceled.Looking at the history of the university, I think there have been only about three cancellations: the mobilization of students during World War II, the student movement in 4-2, and the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2.This situation can be said to be a major crisis that divides society and nations on a par with wars and large-scale natural disasters.Under these circumstances, it is inevitable that the graduates, their guardians, and guests will all gather together as in previous years, and the graduates will wear academic gowns, and the president will hand out their diplomas to each of them with a handshake. I didn't get it.I hope that it will be a valuable day in the form of decentralization and shortening.We are very sorry, but we would like to see you off as hard as we can.
Nine years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred yesterday.I sincerely pray for the repose of the souls of all those who died.Almost every day in the press, we hear information about deaths due to the new coronavirus infection in various parts of the world.The World Health Organization (WHO) declared yesterday that the new coronavirus is a "pandemic".It is unclear what kind of spread will be shown in the future, and there is a lot of debate about whether the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will be canceled or postponed.The Great East Japan Earthquake and the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake claimed the lives of many people in an instant.However, there are still things that can be done at this stage, such as countermeasures, prevention, and mental preparation for the new coronavirus infection.We have overcome many large-scale natural disasters.I hope that you will not be discouraged by the difficulties and move forward.
In addition to the damage caused by infectious diseases, this current situation also makes it easier for latent problems and issues in society to surface.The first is about "globalization".There was a call to think about things on a global scale beyond the barriers of nations and ethnicities, and to work on common issues to create a sustainable world.However, this time, there were reports of truly unfortunate cases of people being discriminated against and persecuted based on their attributes.
Secondly, there were occasional spectacles of being swayed by "rumors and hoaxes that have no scientific basis or logical backing."It is very painful and disappointing to have to show children ``the appearance of an adult who does not want to be like that''.
Think back to the early days when all this stuff started.When the infection was confirmed in Wuhan, China, it may not have been imagined that Japan would be involved in such damage.Prejudice against China, vague belief that Japan is safe and Chinese people are dangerous, etc. Didn't they see it based on the premise that they would be fine?However, Japan and the Japanese people were gradually viewed as dangerous, and there were cases of discrimination and persecution.But let's keep calm.Did the sick person commit a sin?Is this prejudice and discrimination justified?
It is absolutely unacceptable and extremely sad that medical workers, those on the front lines, and their families are subject to prejudice and discrimination.I would like everyone to feel that prejudice and discrimination are unacceptable.
Nobel Peace Prize-winning civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. “We must accept finite disappointment, but never give up infinite hope.”
When we talk about globalization, there are many things that look different when looking at the same phenomenon from the east and from the west.Taking the other person's point of view means thinking from the opposite point of view, not only in an emotional sense, but in a time when this is required, that is the global society.What is required of us is not to lose hope, to set a logical path, and to “think for ourselves” based on scientific grounds and reason. "Anthropology" asked students to think about humans and life from various angles.I would like to believe that you have nurtured your "thinking ability" through realizations through on-site experiential learning, such as global studies, community studies, and various types of practical training, as well as ways of understanding things scientifically through specialized education.
The French philosopher Pascal, who is also known for "Pascal's theorem", left the words, "Human beings are nothing more than a piece of reed. They are the weakest in nature. But they are thinking reeds."Human beings are lonely and weak, but their greatness and dignity lie in their ability to think.I just hope that everyone will think with their own heads = be human beings as 'thinking beings'.
We have called on students to acquire the six abilities listed in the KUIS Learning Benchmark. "Independence" I think this can be translated into subjectivity. Do you live your life thinking “everyone else does it” or “because there is no other choice”, or do you think for yourself and pave the way for “living as I am” and “living in my own way”?It is your responsibility.Living proactively is different from a way of life that entrusts others and does not think for yourself.It means taking responsibility for your own potential.In reality, it is difficult to live a life without failure and a life without regrets.However, I want you to be the ones who say, “I live for myself,” think for themselves, and live independently.I hope that you will take responsibility for your own possibilities, continue to have unlimited hope, and be people who think proactively and step forward.Congratulations graduation.
2020 January 3
President Atsushi Hamana
