Tohoku University held its Fall 2026 Commencement Ceremony at Kawauchi Hagi Hall on September 25, celebrating the achievements of 444 graduates. The graduating class included 62 undergraduate, 182 master's and 200 doctoral students, with international students accounting for more than half of the class.

Family and friends gathered at the venue to mark the occasion, while a live broadcast allowed those unable to attend to join the celebration.

In his address, Tohoku University President Teiji Tominaga congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone, while recognising the many people who had supported them along the way.

"Your families, who encouraged you from near and far. Your friends, who studied with you and shared this journey. And your professors, who guided you and shared their knowledge. Your success is also their success," he said.

Looking ahead, Tominaga acknowledged the challenges the graduates will face - including the rapid development of artificial intelligence - and encouraged them to embrace change and contribute positively to society.

He noted that the spirit of change is deeply rooted in Tohoku University's history, from its founding principles of research first and open doors to its recent achievement as the first institution in Japan to be accredited as a University for International Research Excellence (UREX1). "Do not be afraid of change. Because if we are afraid of change, we cannot open new doors to our future," he said.

Tominaga also reminded the graduates that, wherever their careers may take them, they will always be part of the Tohoku University community. "Wherever you are in the world, if you need us, call out. If you seek new knowledge, ask us. If you face a new challenge, tell us how we can help," he said. "Tohoku University will always be a place you can return to."

Representing the graduating class, valedictorian Zhao Ziwen of the Graduate School of Environmental Studies reflected on the experiences that had shaped his journey as a researcher.

He shared the story of his collaboration with a researcher in Iran. Their complementary expertise - his in experimental research and hers in simulation - led to a partnership that continued for three years. When armed conflict disrupted communication, however, Zhao's priorities changed. Instead of asking about their research, he reached out to ask if his collaborator and her family were safe.

The experience ultimately transformed two research partners into friends and gave him a new perspective on the human side of research. "I learnt that an ordinary day of research can, in fact, be an extraordinary privilege," he said. "Behind every experiment, there is a person. Behind every model, there is a person. Behind every paper, there is a person. Research is not created by data alone. It is created by people."

Zhao encouraged his fellow graduates to carry this perspective into their future careers. "May we continue to ask questions with curiosity. May we pursue excellence with courage. May we use knowledge with responsibility. And above all, may we never forget the people behind the knowledge we create."

The ceremony concluded with the traditional singing of the university song, "Aoba Moyuru Kono Michinoku," led by the university's chorus clubs.

Outside the hall, graduates gathered with family and friends to take photographs, celebrate their achievements and make lasting memories before embarking on their next journeys.

Tohoku University congratulates the graduating class of 2026 and wishes them every success in their future endeavours.

News in Japanese