Congratulations, New Students! (2025 Entrance Ceremony)
April 5, 2025
On Saturday the 5th of April, the 2025 Academic Year Entrance Ceremony was held.
TUFS welcomed 353 new students (including 11 transfer students) to the School of Language and Culture Studies, 356 (including 5 transfer students) to the School of International and Area Studies, 88 (including 1 transfer students) to the School of Japan Studies, 151 into the Master’s and Doctoral Programs of the Graduate School of Global Studies – a grand total of 948 new students.
2025 Entry Ceremonial Address from the President (for undergraduate students)
Welcome to Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.
Let me speak in English. I know that most of you will major in a language other than English. And I can tell you that your proficiency in that language will become an advantage throughout your life. But if you lack proficiency in English, that is a disadvantage in the global society. No matter what your major is, all of you should be highly proficient in English.
I will start with a few questions. Actually, I will ask you questions throughout my speech. My intention is to make you think of how to make the most of your four or more years in this university.
Why did you decide to study at a university? And why did you choose this university in particular?
I would like you to think over such questions and be aware of your own choice.
Why? Because making choices is probably the most difficult part of life and you will have to make difficult life choices and career choices a number of times throughout your life. Especially because we are living in a difficult era.
People say that we are living in the age of VUCA: “V” “U” “C” “A.” These four letters stand for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.