令和２年度千葉大学卒業式・大学院修了式・学位記授与式 学長式辞

Commencement Speech at Chiba University Commencement 2020

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Chiba University, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you who have just received doctoral, master's, professional, or baccalaureate degrees for your outstanding educational and scholastic achievements at Chiba University. I also would like to extend my gratitude to all the family and related people who have supported you for a long time.

Under the principle of "always aiming for higher things," Chiba University aims to nurture global human resources who will act as leaders in various fields of society by working on their own, based on advanced expertise and ethics. I think that all the graduates have made a great effort in studying in line with the educational goals of Chiba University, hone their expertise, and have significantly grown mentally. The only thing you get is a single certificate, called a diploma.　 However, the knowledge and experience gained from that process will be a significant driving force in creating something in your future life.

Today is the start of a new journey of your life. I believe you will take a position to lead our society in the future. However, in the world where you will play an active role, international competition is intensifying in all fields with the new globalization. Our global society is also facing health hazards due to issues as environmental pollution, the impact of global warming on natural disasters, and epidemics of emerging infectious diseases such as the new coronavirus.

In addition to these global issues, Japan is confronted with a whole list of pressing tasks such as low birthrate and aging population, economic and financial deterioration, regional revitalization, energy issues, and preparedness towards natural disasters.

Therefore, leaders of this indefinite society are required to have the ability to understand cultures, social systems, customs, or histories of each country of the world, and to have abundant "Ningen-ryoku," literal translation in English, "Human Power." Ningen-ryoku is defined as a comprehensive ability to constitute and operate society and live powerfully as an independent human being. The capability includes intellectual capacity such as logical thinking ability and creativity, self-control ability, and leadership and communication ability. These abilities are nurtured by your efforts in the process of working as a professional in society.

If you want to be a leader in the future, please think about enhancing your Ningen-ryoku through your daily work. However, it isn't easy to understand what efforts should be made to improve Ningen-ryoku in everyday activities. So, I will tell you what I have been trying to do to nurture my Ningen-ryoku.

One is "honesty and compassion." To play an active role as a leader in society, I want you to be honest in everything you do. Next to "honesty" is "compassion." The higher your social status, the greater the importance of "being honest" and "being considerate of the other person." Please enhance your Ningen-ryoku by making an effort to keep "honesty and compassion" in your daily actions and judgments.

The second is to find your life teacher. 　There are no textbooks for nurture Ningen-ryoku in the new workplace, so you have to imitate the Ningen-ryoku of the seniors in that workplace or ask them to teach.　If you are going to graduate school, you should find your life teacher among the mentors. 　As your position in society changes in the future, the person who will be your life teacher will also be different.　At that time, what kind of senior or mentor you ask to be your life teacher depends on your acquired values.

Finally, I wish each of you to be a leader in your chosen field and create a bright society with confidence and pride built on the expertise and education you gained through studying at Chiba University. Again, congratulations on your fantastic achievements, and good luck with your bright future!

Thank you.

September 28th, 2020
Takeshi Tokuhisa
President, Chiba University