Graduates, families, and friends. Welcome!

Today is a very special day.
It is a day of celebration, of pride, and of new beginnings. On behalf of Tohoku University, I offer my heartfelt congratulations. Whether you are celebrating the completion of your Bachelor's degree, advancing your expertise with a Master's or Professional degree, or have reached the highest level of scholarship with your Doctorate―this is a day of immense pride for you, and for us. Each of you has reached a great milestone. And I am especially proud to see our graduates coming from 43 different countries and regions around the world. Your presence here makes our university a truly global family.

I would also like to thank the people who supported you. 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.

For many years, people described our world as a "VUCA world" ― volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. But today, some people say that we have moved from VUCA to a "BANI world" ― brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible. Our society may look strong, but it can suddenly become brittle and break. Many people feel anxious, because they cannot see what will happen next. Change is often non-linear, where even a small event can suddenly have a very large impact. And sometimes, the world becomes so complicated that it is difficult even to understand what is happening. The rapid development of science and technology, especially the rise of artificial intelligence is one example. Lately, concerns have been raised that AI may threaten our survival, the very survival of humanity in the near future. We cannot easily predict what our world will look like ten or twenty years from now.

Dear graduates, for better or for worse, this is the world you live in. And more importantly, this is the world that you can shape. You will shape your future. You will shape the future of your country. And ultimately, you will shape the future of this planet.

But, what should you - what should we do in such a world? We cannot simply repeat what previous generations have done. Successful solutions of the past may not be the right answers for the future.

This does not mean that we can simply forget the past. Quite the opposite. We must learn from history. Humanity has made many mistakes. Wars, Conflicts, Discrimination, Environmental destruction, and so on. We must never forget these failures of the past.

So, I ask you: Learn from the past, but do not be trapped by the past. Think for yourself. Ask new questions. Find new ways forward. And think about how humanity can continue to live and prosper on this planet.

This spirit is also at the heart of Tohoku University. Since our foundation in 1907, we have followed three important principles: "Research First," "Open Doors," and "Practice-Oriented Research and Education." Throughout our history, we have never been afraid of change. We have always tried to open new doors. We have always challenged old ideas and outdated systems. And I believe this spirit is part of the Tohoku University DNA.

Today, Tohoku University is embarking on a bold new challenge. In 2024, Tohoku University became Japan's first University for International Research Excellence, or we call it UREX1. With major support from the Japanese government for up to 25 years, we aim to grow as one of the world's leading research universities. We are built upon three core commitments: Impact, Talent, and Change. Our national research capability faces severe challenges today. Therefore, this UREX project is truly a critical opportunity for Japan to revitalize its world-class research.

But just being selected was not the goal. Similar to you just graduating university is not your life goal. We have only reached the starting line. The University for International Research Excellence is not just a simple government program. It is not just about funding, numbers or rankings. It is the Shared Vision of our community, what Tohoku University should become, and what we contribute to society. Students, researchers, staff, and alumni must move and take action. The whole university community must move toward this Shared Vision in a Collective Manner. The true value in our pursuit of becoming a University for International Research Excellence lies in this "Collective Movement."

Dear graduates, You are certainly part of this challenge. Today, you leave this campus and begin the next stage of your life. Some of you will continue your research. Some will work in companies, government, healthcare, education, or other important fields. Some of you may stay in Japan. And some may work around the globe. But wherever you go, please take one thing with you: The spirit of challenge you got from Tohoku University Do not be afraid of change. Because if we are afraid of change, we cannot open new doors to our future.

Finally, I would like you to remember one more thing. Today, you graduate from Tohoku University. But you do not leave the Tohoku University community. You will always be part of our family. Wherever you are in the world, if you need us, call out. If you face a new challenge, tell us how we can help. And if one day, you are not sure which way to go further, come back and have a talk.

Tohoku University will remain the place you can return to. Whenever you need us, we will be here for you. Wear the title of "Tohoku University Graduate" with pride. I have no doubt that you will make great contributions to your communities and to the world. Congratulations, once again. I wish you all the best on the road ahead. Stay safe, and I hope we meet again.

これまでのメッセージ

• 2026年4月 東北大学入学式祝辞（2026.4.3）
• 2026年3月 東北大学学位記授与式告辞（2026.3.25）
• 2026年 東北大学総長 年頭所感（2026.1.5）
• 2025年9月 東北大学学位記授与式告辞（2025.9.25）
• 2025年4月 東北大学入学式祝辞（2025.4.3）
• 2025年3月 東北大学学位記授与式告辞（2025.3.25）
• 2025年 東北大学総長 年頭所感（2025.1.6）
• 2024年9月 東北大学学位記授与式告辞（2024.9.25）
• 2024年4月 東北大学入学式祝辞（2024.4.3）
• 東北大学第23代総長就任メッセージ（2024.4.5）

• 冨永悌二総長略歴

大野英男第22代総長メッセージ

里見進第21代総長メッセージ