News

The 2021 Tohoku University Entrance Ceremony was officially held today (August 9) at Kamei Arena Sendai, after a four-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There were two short, in-person ceremonies. The first was at 9:30 a.m. for the 2,448 first year undergraduates who enrolled this past April. Mako Onuma, of the Faulty of Arts and Letters, gave a speech on behalf of the new class.

The second ceremony began at noon for the 2,748 first year graduate students and 2,438 second year undergraduates, whose entrance ceremony was cancelled last year. Saki Kanai from the School of Medicine spoke on behalf of the new graduate students.

In his speech to both groups, university president Hideo Ohno said that "despite the unconventional start to the academic year, I hope you all feel welcome, settled and excited for the new experiences ahead."

He also leaned heavily on the university's history elsewhere in his speech, highlighting over a century of academic and research achievements, and expressing his hope that the new students will continue the legacy of innovation, collaboration and embracing diversity.

He had a few lines in English for the international students in the audience. "I'm confident that your time with us will be intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling. You will meet people from many backgrounds and cultures, hear things from different perspectives, and develop an awareness that will make you all better people."

He concluded with a sentiment shared by all: "Just remember that all of us - faculty members, staff and students - are here to help and support you. Welcome to the family. Welcome to Tohoku University!"

In line with the university's COVID-19 infection prevention measures, only students directly involved in the ceremony were allowed into the arena. To ensure safe physical distancing, family and friends were asked not to attend, and to watch the live stream from home instead.

A new interactive "Augmented Reality" photo feature - with special Tohoku University frames and elements - was also launched, for students to mark the occasion with friends and family. All students can access the AR feature with their mobile phones through the month of August. (pdf)