On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the 24th Entrance Ceremony of Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School was held. This year, a record-high 204 new students were welcomed, marking the start of their new school lives.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Principal Hirohisa Yokozawa formally granted admission to the new students. In his congratulatory address, he stated, “At Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School, we aim to cultivate future global leaders who possess intellectual ability and a spirit of inquiry grounded in outstanding language proficiency, well-balanced and rich individuality, and a spirit of tolerance guided by justice and ethics.”

He also noted that modern society faces complex and unpredictable challenges such as wars and conflicts, environmental issues, energy problems, and declining birthrates with aging populations. In such an era, he emphasized the importance of having a strong will to confront difficulties, a spirit of inquiry that continues to ask “why,” and the initiative to challenge new things without being bound by conventional thinking.

Furthermore, he referred to the kanji character “協” (cooperation), explaining that it is composed of three “力” (power), symbolizing the meaning of combining strengths. He stressed that what cannot be achieved alone can lead to great accomplishments through cooperation with others. He concluded by offering words of encouragement, expressing his hopes that each new student will lead a fulfilling school life and make great strides toward their dreams.

Next, the new student representative, Masora Kanai, delivered a pledge. Emphasizing the importance of “learning connected to the world,” which is valued at the school, the student expressed a determination to deepen mutual understanding with people of diverse values and to strengthen one another in pursuit of their dreams. The speech also strongly declared a commitment to cherishing experiences that can only be had now, taking on challenges without fear of failure, striving together with peers, and expanding one’s own potential.

Following the ceremony, the homeroom teachers for the first-year students were introduced, and the new students renewed their sense of anticipation for the school life ahead.

At last, junior high school life has begun. We sincerely hope that all new students will grow significantly as they pursue their respective dreams.