Tohoku University held its Spring 2026 Entrance Ceremony today at Xebio Arena Sendai, welcoming 2,514 undergraduate students and 2,685 graduate students to its academic community.

In his opening address, President Teiji Tominaga congratulated the incoming class and their families, recognizing the dedication and perseverance that led them to this milestone.

He described the university as a vibrant and diverse academic environment, home to more than 17,000 students from 94 countries. "It is a truly international stage where diverse knowledge and global perspectives intersect," he said.

Highlighting the university's forward-looking mission, Tominaga noted that its longstanding commitment to transformation and innovation led to its designation by the Japanese government as the country's first "University for International Research Excellence."

He outlined three guiding priorities - impact, talent and change - underscoring the importance of adaptability in an increasingly unpredictable world. "Embracing change is the very DNA of Tohoku University," he said. "Starting today, you are members of the frontline, striving to make the world a better place."

He concluded by encouraging students to carry forward the university's legacy of academic excellence while making the most of their time on campus.

Also addressing the students was the university's Chief Global Officer and Vice President for Comprehensive Internationalization Marie-Pierre Favre. She urged them to cultivate a global mindset as they begin their new academic journey.

"Our mission is to educate future leaders who can tackle national and global challenges, navigate complexity and uncertainty, and understand diverse cultures," she said. "So spread your wings, be curious, think out of the box, get out of your comfort zone and experience the world. Tohoku University will guide you."

Speaking on behalf of the undergraduate class, Yuki Ouchi of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences expressed gratitude to professors and family members for their support. Inspired by advances such as iPS cell research, Ouchi shared aspirations to pursue pharmaceutical sciences and develop innovative drug delivery systems aimed at improving public health.

"From now on, we move beyond questions with set answers, to challenges where we must discover our own answers," he said. "We will strive every day to grow together, support one another and become students worthy of Tohoku University."

In her speech at the ceremony for new graduate students, Hinata Ueno of the Graduate School of International Cultural Studies reflected on the complexity of academic inquiry. Drawing on a background in educational psychology, she emphasized the importance of critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

"Rather than simply accepting objective facts and data, we must examine them critically and engage in meaningful dialogue," she said. "We are committed to sincere and rigorous research that contributes to scientific advancement and a more enriched society."

Each ceremony concluded with the singing of Tohoku University's school song "Aoba Moyuru Kono Michinoku," followed by a spirited performance by the Oendan cheer squad.

Outside the arena, students gathered with friends and family to take photographs, marking the start of their journey as members of Tohoku University.

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