Graduation Ceremony held in 2023

Alexa Kirie Shimizu, valedictorian Department of International Exchange Studies Faculty of International Humanities

Ryota Kaneko received University President Award

The 2023 degree and graduation ceremony was held on March 15th at Chiba Togane Campus.

A total of 1,458 people, including 4 doctoral degree holders, 122 master's degree holders, 1300 bachelor's degree holders, as well as exchange students and students who completed Japanese Studies Program celebrated the day. We would also like to thank Mayor Rikuo Shikama, Mayor of Togane, Masanori Kanasaka, Mayor of Oami Shirasato, Mayor Takayuki Aso of Shibayama Town, local residents who support us, companies that support us through industry-academia collaboration, educational institutions, and many others. Guests were in attendance, and the venue was filled with a warm atmosphere combined with the spring weather.

In his farewell address, University President Kenji Sugibayashi said that ``global human resources'' are needed in all occupations, and that the skills needed in this era are the aforementioned understanding of technology such as IT and DX, the ability to gather information, and the ability to gather information such as SDGs and EX. He talked about global thinking and the "ability to think for yourself" to avoid being replaced by generative AI and robots, or more precisely, "the ability to think things through." “I would like to encourage you all to use the learning you have gained at our university as a foundation to be even more curious than ever about what happens in the world, to improve your communication and language skills, and to maintain a sense of mission and passion for your work and society. I hope so,” he said, cheering on the graduates.

In his congratulatory speech, Incorporated Educational Institution Josai University Chancellor Yozo Fujino, who took office on December 20th of last year, said that when faced with a choice, he hopes that the students will seek advice from their seniors and juniors and make a decision that they will not regret.

Kenji Sugibayashi University President

Yozo Fujino, Chancellor Incorporated Educational Institution Josai University

On behalf of the graduates, Manami Odaka from Faculty of Social Work Studies Department of Social Work Studies gave a speech in response. Mr. Kodaka said, ``Four years ago in the spring, due to the spread of the new coronavirus, the entrance ceremony was canceled, classes were delayed a month, and classes were held in an online, on-demand format.There were many things I was not used to, and I was anxious. Even in such an environment, I did not lose sight of my goals, and while helping each other with my colleagues, I worked toward the same goal of passing the National Social Worker Examination, and was able to achieve my long-awaited goal. I was able to have a fulfilling university life because of the support of everyone, including my teachers, staff, seniors, friends, local people, and my parents who were always by my side to support me.'' He expressed his gratitude.

At the ceremony, special awards were given to 12 people and two organizations that had achieved remarkable results. Chancellor Award went to Nao Miura of the Department Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of Social Work Studies.

Ryota Kaneko, a student in Faculty of Media Studies Department of Media And Communications Media, who received the University President 's Award and the certificate on behalf of the university, has achieved excellent grades over the past four years and contributed to mentoring his juniors as a video producer and production supporter. In addition, he has contributed to the local community by working on numerous video distributions and internet broadcasts, including the Aqualine Marathon in November 2022, the Junior High School Choshi Peninsula Round-the-Country Relay in January 2023, the Kichijoji Music Festival in May of the same year, and the Surfing Half Marathon in 2024. He is expected to demonstrate the excellent leadership he has developed at our university and play an active role in television program production and other fields in the future.

After the ceremony, the students were divided into faculties and Research schools, and all students were given their graduation and completion certificates. In each classroom, students talked with their advisors, watched videos made from photos taken over the year, and said goodbye to their friends. Groups and parents and children were seen taking commemorative photos here and there, and each student was savoring the day that would become a lifelong memory.

Manami Kodaka, who read a speech on behalf of the graduates

Juniors also rushed for their seniors.

Students are amazed by the video compiled from photos from the past year

Students smiling after receiving their diplomas

[Special Awards]
Chancellor Award
Nao Miura (Faculty of Social Work Studies)
University President Award (Academic Award)
Yuka Igarashi (Faculty of Management and Information Sciences)
Miki Uehara (Faculty of International Humanities)
Ryota Kaneko (Faculty of Media Studies)
University President Award (International Student Award)
Lee Jin (Faculty of International Humanities)
University President Award (Excellent Extracurricular Activities Award)
Women's Ekiden Team (Team)
Women's Softball Club (Team)
Outstanding Thesis Award
Ayaka Saeki (Graduate School of Humanities)
Wang Ziyuan (Graduate School of Management and Information Sciences)
Zhu Yunxiang (Graduate School of Business Design)
Yu Kisong (Graduate School of International Administration)
Governor's Award for Nursing Students of Chiba Prefecture
Nagisa Takahashi (Faculty of Nursing)
Chiba Prefecture Nursing Association Nursing Student Award
Miki Tanaka (Faculty of Nursing)
Japan Association of Private Nursing Universities Chairman's Award
Aoi Warashina (Faculty of Nursing)