On Saturday, September 23, Ritsumeikan University held its fall commencement ceremonies and graduate school degree conferral ceremonies. In total, 554 students (undergraduate: 423; graduate: 131) from 41 countries and regions graduated from the university.

In his congratulatory address, President Yoshio Nakatani sent off the graduating undergraduate and graduate students with an encouraging message: “In every era, great changes that have impacted history have started small, with the will and ambition of a single person. I hope that you will confront the issues facing society and actively contribute to solving them. I also hope that you will become a driving force toward the creation of a new society for the next generation.”

A floral-themed flower wall and several photo spots were erected in the venue to serve as backdrops for commemorative photos. The graduating students shared their joy with their families, friends, and faculty members who have supported them during their time at Ritsumeikan, and everywhere on each campus you could see their smiling faces.

Congratulations everyone on your graduation! We sincerely hope you will use the experiences you gained at Ritsumeikan as a springboard to the future.