At this 72nd Commencement Ceremony for AY 2023, it gives me great pleasure to offer my heartfelt congratulations to this year's graduating students: 1,279 undergraduate students and 564 graduate students. Today, we are honored to have the presence of Dr. HIZUME Kazuyuki, President of Shizuoka University (Shizuoka Prefecture), and Dr. HARA Hideaki, President of Gifu Pharmaceutical University, at the ceremony. Shizuoka University is a constituent university of the United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, and Gifu Pharmaceutical University is also a constituent university of the United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences.

Until last year, since the outbreak of the pandemic in early 2020, lectures, laboratory work, practical training, and extracurricular activities were severely restricted. The pandemic posed significant challenges for both our students and administrative staff in achieving their academic goals and ensuring the smooth operation of the university. However, despite these obstacles, Gifu University students diligently persevered in their studies. Our faculty members also responded with great enthusiasm, developing new approaches to education and research during the 'With Corona' and subsequent 'Post Corona' eras. I extend my utmost respect to our students for their ongoing efforts to adapt to significant changes in their study environments, and also to their guardians and faculty members who have guided and supported them with patience and dedication.

On January 1, 2024, a devastating earthquake struck the northern Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, resulting in numerous casualties and lives lost, as well as disruption of all aspects of daily life. I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to all those enduring hardship and trauma due to the extensive devastation caused by the earthquake. Healthcare workers and professionals from across Japan have collaborated tirelessly to provide medical and psychological care to the residents of Ishikawa. In response to the disaster, Gifu University promptly dispatched a Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) to Ishikawa, bolstered by the goodwill and support of all stakeholders. I take pride in the fact that Gifu University members are contributing to assist those in need during this challenging time.

Gifu University's history can be traced back to 1873, when Gifu Prefectural Normal School was founded. On April 1, 2020, it entered an exciting new chapter by establishing a novel institutional framework through its merger with Nagoya University. This unified entity is now known as the 'Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS).' The Class of 2023 represents the fourth graduating cohort under this restructured framework. While aligning with the THERS' mission to 'Make New Standards for The Public' and upholding Gifu University's long-term ideals of 'Learning, Exploring, and Contributing,' we emphasize the following core values in our new vision and strategies: strategic promotion of co-creation within the community, execution of unique and original research projects, fostering innovation, providing quality education, and serving as a hub for community revitalization to address diverse human issues.

In Japan and other Asian countries, the average age of the population continues to increase, while birthrates decline year after year. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to economic stagnation and major shifts in social structures. Today, people are facing severe hardships, including global inflation resulting from soaring material and energy prices since Russia began its military action in Ukraine in 2022. It is now more critical than ever to harness the power of science, technology, and innovation to address ongoing societal issues and propel robust economic growth. In this era of economic slowdown, resilience and determination to achieve new breakthroughs - much like the mythical phoenix rising from the flames - are crucial during times of transformation. To honor history and tradition means adapting to the needs of the times and embracing continuous change.

At Gifu University, you diligently pursued a life of joy and fulfillment in all aspects. You studied, practiced, engaged in discussions with mentors and friends, and sought truths with great patience. Your persistent efforts to provide solutions to diverse socioeconomic issues, both domestically and internationally, as well as your sincere contributions to the advancement of "Society 5.0¹" are highly appreciated by all members of Gifu University and society at large. You overcame the most trying times during the pandemic, thereby equipping yourself with great resilience, vigor, and energy. I hope that you continue to march forward on your journey of exploration to achieve even higher goals and success in the future.

Today, on this significant occasion marking the new chapter of your life, I would like to share with you a phrase that holds great importance to me. One of the esteemed Japanese business leaders I admire, Mr. INAMORI Kazuo (1932-2022), the founder of KYOCERA Corporation² and KDDI Corporation³, often spoke of the concept of 'Shu-Ha-Ri.' You may have heard of this before, but the phrase is written as '守る (Shu= preserve), 破る (Ha= break), 離れる (Ri= depart),' and it is pronounced as 'Shu-Ha-Ri.' Some believe it originated from a poem by Sen no Rikyū (1522 - 1591), the master of tea ceremony in Japan. It is one of the ways of mentor-disciple relationships in Japanese arts such as tea ceremony and martial arts, representing the process of training in those disciplines. In modern times, it is the fundamental attitude most crucial for executing tasks in one's work, and it has been passed down since ancient times.

In 'Shu-Ha-Ri,' first, listen to what your master says and learn their style and forms to 'preserve' them. Next, after acquiring your master's style, study other styles. Compare them with your own and create better forms that suit you, thus 'breaking the existing forms.' Then, consolidate your own research, explore unique realms, and create excellence. Both the master's forms and the individual forms you have crafted understand them and their skills well, allowing them to 'depart' completely from the existing forms. The true path to improvement lies in following the principle of 'Shu-Ha-Ri' during your training. Approach 'Shu-Ha-Ri' with an open heart, listen carefully to others' opinions, and always reflect on yourself. In your life journey ahead, there will undoubtedly be setbacks. However, it is through such an approach that unexpected opportunities, discoveries, and encounters may arise.

From today, you will assume individual roles as responsible members of society. Whichever academic or career path you may choose, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. As a highly skilled professional, you will be expected to work for the benefit of people and society and flexibly adapt yourself to any situation. Beyond technical expertise and specialized knowledge, strive to be a well-rounded individual with both a compassionate heart and comprehensive wisdom. Never forget the principle of 'Shu-Ha-Ri.' It is the convergence of diverse knowledge that generates the vitality of 'intellectual energy,' and creates new values.

The happiest moment for us would be to see you living a fulfilling, productive life in high spirits. Arm yourself with the wisdom you have gained here, be proud of yourself, and walk with your head held high as a Gifu University graduate. Demonstrate your strong leadership skills in the global community by utilizing the robust networks and friendships you have forged both on and off campus. I truly look forward to working with each one of you as the future unfolds.

March 25, 2024

YOSHIDA Kazuhiro
President, Gifu University

1)Society 5.0 is the next stage of society after the hunter-gatherer society (Society 1.0), farming society (Society 2.0), industrial society (Society 3.0), and information society (Society 4.0).
2) Japanese multinational ceramics and electronics manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto, Japan
3) a Japanese telecommunications operator

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