2025 GBC・GB Fall degree Ceremony
Under a crisp autumn sky, we are delighted to hold the 2025 Fall Degree Ceremony.
Dear graduates, today is a day of joy for you and for your family -- many congratulations! You are now embarking on a new journey, having overcome various challenges amid the lingering restrictions caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
During your university years, you were not alone as you worked hard to seek the truth and to create hope for the future. Please share your feelings of relief and accomplishment with your families and those around you who have been waiting in anticipation of your growth.
Today's ceremony is graced by Mr. Kiyotsugu Masuzawa, who is representing the Governor of Hyogo Prefecture; His Excellency Chandru Appar, Consul General of India in Osaka-Kobe; Ms. Yupa Iemsanguan, a senior official of the Ministry of Education, Thailand; proud parents; and many other distinguished guests.
Please remember with gratitude that your education was financially supported by many generous corporations, whose names are displayed on the plaque at the entrance of Global House. We also appreciate the local community for accepting our students.
The University of Hyogo (UH) was established in 2004 by merging three traditional prefectural universities and is now one of the leading public universities in Japan.
Six years ago, we launched a new course called GBC and two years ago, a graduate program called GB. These initiatives are designed to nurture professionals with knowledge who can lead a global, multi-cultural society and build bridges rather than walls between people. And now, you stand here, brilliant graduates with dignity and strong values.
Let me take this opportunity to mention some of the trends in modern society. You are living in an age where it is difficult to predict the future, with the rapid development of ICT/AI.
While Digital Transformation (DX) has opened new possibilities of citizen-participatory democracy, it has also given rise to deepfakes and hate speech against those who are different, exacerbating disparities and divisions.
Do not be swayed by easy words that are difficult to verify or lack objectivity. Thoughtless and self-righteous remarks can wound others deeply. Please bear in mind that you are responsible for your words, and words carry great responsibility.
At the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1951, which had a significant impact on the fate of post-war Japan, former Sri Lankan President J.R. Jayawardena, quoting the teachings of Buddha, said, "Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love." If evil is destroyed by evil, evil will continue to run rampant.
With your flexible intellect and powerful imagination, you will all cut your way into the borderless society built on peace and justice, leaving no one behind.
The bond between you and us does not end when you graduate or complete your studies. The Kobe Campus for Commerce will always remain your dear alma mater. We hope you will visit us at any time. We look forward to hearing about your successes and challenges.
We extend our warmest farewells to each of you, and we trust that many happy years lie ahead.
Makoto KOSAKA
President
September 18, 2025