October 07, 2025

2025 Autumn Entrance Ceremony, President Address

　Congratulations on your admission to SOKENDAI. On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to all of you.

　SOKENDAI is a graduate university established with the aim of fostering the next generation of doctoral researchers within cutting-edge national research institutes of Japan. Since its founding in 1988, the university has produced over 2,500 doctoral graduates. Today marks the beginning of your journey toward your doctorate, and I imagine you are filled with a sense of anticipation and resolve as you take this important first step.

　Before proceeding further, allow me to make a brief note. As an official university event, today's entrance ceremony would typically call for business attire. However, as was noted in the invitation, we have adopted a dress code-free policy. This decision was made in consideration of the Freshman Course that will follow the ceremony, so that you may participate and engage in your activities comfortably and freely, just as you are.

　Now, let me share with you a few thoughts on how I hope you will approach your time in graduate school. If I were to summarize it in short phrases, it would be this:

　Graduate school is a place where you acquire specialized knowledge and skills in a particular research field, and where you develop the competence to confront and solve unknown challenges. As a result of your efforts, once you attain a sufficient level of expertise in your field, you will be awarded your degree. In that sense, a doctoral degree can be considered the goal of your graduate education.

　However, when viewed in the broader context of your life, obtaining your degree is merely one milestone along the way. In order to thrive as a doctoral professional in society after graduation, you will also need “transferable skills” such as communication, leadership, and the ability to collaborate with others.

　While these skills are certainly important, I believe that the most essential ability is the power to think and act on your own—what I call “self-driven ability.” And it is during your time in graduate school that you are best positioned to cultivate this ability in a meaningful and lasting way. The phrases I shared earlier reflect my hope that you will approach your time at SOKENDAI with this mindset.

　The university, along with all of our faculty and staff, will do our best to support you in every possible way so that you may lead a fulfilling and productive graduate school life.

　Once again, congratulations on your admission!

October 7, 2025
Takashi Nagata, President
The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI