The National Seven Universities Athletic Meet is being hosted this summer by Kyushu University. And over the next few months, member universities will be competing in some 40 sporting events, to decide this year's overall champion.

To cheer on Tohoku University's athletes, a pep rally was held on Kawauchi Campus on June 2, attended by members of the "Gakuyukai" (known as the "Students' Friendship Association"), as well as student representatives and faculty advisors of Tohoku University's sports clubs.

In his speech, Tohoku University President Teiji Tominaga, who also serves as head of the "Gakuyukai," described the tournament as an opportunity to show the university's commitment to 文武両道 ("bunburyodo"), an idiom meaning "both pen and sword" that reflects the ideals of excellence in both academic and extracurricular pursuits.

"Compete with strong determination while keeping the traditions and pride of your respective clubs close to your hearts," he said. "Your victories will not only lead to our university's overall championship but will also be the best way to repay everyone who supports you every day."

He also urged the student athletes to raise their competitive levels and foster exchange between universities, and expressed confidence that Tohoku University will put up a good fight, especially after last year's disappointing third-place finish.

"We anticipate a tough battle this year as well, but our goal is to prevent Hokkaido University from securing a third consecutive title, defeat the host university, and reclaim the overall championship for our university. We hope to bring the championship flag and trophy back to Sendai and hold a victory celebration with all of you this fall."

There were also messages of encouragement from the Director of the Cheer Squad (応援団) Nobuo Fuse and the Director of Athletic Activities Masaki Kubo, before the captains of the Track and Field Club took the Players' Oath on behalf of the athletes, pledging to do their best in the tournament.

Three winter sports were completed earlier this year, with Tohoku University provisionally in third place in the overall standings after finishing 6th in ice hockey, 2nd in skiing and 4th in aviation. The main summer tournament will begin mid-June.

The ceremony ended with the university's cheer squad and cheerleaders taking centre stage with a spirited performance.

The National Seven Universities Athletic Meet is one of Japan's most prestigious intercollegiate sporting events, bringing together top athletes from Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, the University of Tokyo, Nagoya University, Kyoto University, Osaka University and Kyushu University.

Tohoku University has traditionally done well, winning 16 championships so far, including four consecutive titles between 2017 - 2022.

Results of all the sporting competitions - and the race to this year's overall championship - will be published on the tournament's homepage.

Contact:

Activities Support Section
Tohoku University Education and Student Support Department
Tel: 022-795-3983
Email: sta-kagaigrp.tohoku.ac.jp