Tohoku University welcomed alumni, students, faculty and members of the local community to Homecoming Day on October 3, marking the 119th anniversary of its founding.

This year's theme, "Frontier of Space," explored the boundaries of human knowledge and discovery. Special lectures, student presentations and a panel discussion highlighted research and activities across the university.

In his welcome address, President Teiji Tominaga outlined the university's latest strategic vision and its progress since being selected as Japan's first University for International Research Excellence in 2024. He also reaffirmed Tohoku University's commitment to creating impact, nurturing talent and driving change.

The programme then turned to the mysteries of the universe, with keynote lectures by Professor Masaomi Tanaka of Tohoku University's Astronomical Institute and Professor Atsushi Kido of the Graduate School of Arts and Letters.

Taking different approaches, the two lectures explored fundamental questions about the universe and demonstrated how perspectives from the humanities and sciences can complement one another.

Two student organisations then took centre stage. Space Elevator Challenge Tohoku (SELECT), a student group developing "climbers" for space elevator technology, introduced its work, while Club International Law showcased its activities in mock trial competitions focusing on international and space law.

The day concluded with "From Tohoku to Space," a panel discussion featuring alumnus Kazuo Monma, mayor of Minamisoma City in Fukushima Prefecture; Associate Professor Yuji Saito and Yota Kariya of the Graduate School of Engineering. They discussed how knowledge, technology and innovation from Tohoku University can be translated into practical applications, creating value in Japan and beyond.

Homecoming Day also highlighted the contributions of Tohoku University's international alumni and partners.

Vice President for Social Outreach Fumihiko Imamura, who oversees the Tohoku University Fund and Alumni Association, announced the winners of the 2026 International Awards. The awards recognise those who have contributed to the university's international development and global reputation.

The winners were celebrated at an evening reception, where they reconnected with old friends and professors, and reflected on their experiences at the university.

Individual Award recipient Mu-Chang Shieh spoke of the "profound influence" that Tohoku University's research-first philosophy had on his life and his work. Now, even at 89, he remains active and continues to give lectures. "I love being with young people and talking to students. They keep me young and give me energy."

For fellow Individual Award winner Jemima Kibira, Technical Lead and Co-founder of Afya Reach Limited, the recognition was both humbling and motivating. "Being appreciated for my work emboldens me and inspires me to keep doing what I'm doing however challenging it might be," she said. "I want to keep doing my best so that I can make this university proud."

Individual Award winner Ramsey Lundock, International Publications Editor at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, said he hopes the recognition will help him to "introduce the charm of science" to people who might not already be interested in astronomy. "I'm very honoured and hope this can be an opportunity for further outreach," he said.

Science and Technology Award recipient Yiguang Ju, the Robert Porter Patterson Professor at Princeton University, said the honour was a reminder that Tohoku University continues to value its international alumni. "They make me feel like we are not forgotten, and that inspires me to want to keep contributing," he said. Ju is also a Distinguished Professor at Tohoku University's Institute of Fluid Science.

For Fumio Ohuchi, Specially Appointed Professor at Tohoku University and Professor Emeritus at the University of Washington, the award marks a relationship spanning more than three decades. He recalled helping to connect students at the two universities through a teleconference in the 1990s. "It's been very enjoyable over the years watching students mature through international exchange," he said. "Getting this award for doing something I've enjoyed, I could not be more pleased or proud."

The International Alumni Association Award went to the Indonesian Alumni Association of Tohoku University (IATU).

"It means a lot to us because it shows that our efforts promoting collaboration between the Tohoku University and Indonesia are being acknowledged," said IATU representative Muhammad Rifqi. "Going forward, we will take this as a call for higher responsibility to do even more."

With the milestone 120th anniversary coming up next year, Homecoming Day 2026 - with its focus on space and emphasis on international connections - celebrated not just the university's past and present, but also offered an early glimpse of where it is going next.