For New Graduates
I would like to start by heartily congratulating you on your graduation.
Today we find ourselves in unusual circumstances. In order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Waseda University has decided to cancel this year’s graduation ceremony. Sadly, the same goes for the celebration of graduation hosted by Waseda’s Faculty of Political Science and Economics. These ceremonies marking the end of college life are important occasions to celebrate a major milestone in life together, and all our faculty and staff are heartbroken about the cancellation when considering how disappointed you, your families, and all concerned who have looked forward so long to these events will be. In particular, starting this very year, it was to be the students themselves who would plan and hold events to celebrate graduation; I feel deep sympathy for the volunteers who worked so hard preparing these events.
Nonetheless, all your accomplishments as students at the School of Political Science and Economics will shine forever. The Certificate of Graduation you receive is the hard-earned result of your efforts over the last four years—or maybe a little longer for those of you who loved the school too much to leave after just four years! To have earned this certificate is a remarkable achievement in your life. I am delighted to pay tribute to your worthy efforts and accomplishments.
You have now completed your studies at the School of Political Science and Economics and are about to take the next step in your lives. It is a good time to take a brief moment to look back on your college life at this milestone.
The educational goal of the School of Political Science and Economics is, as you well know, to develop leaders with a global perspective creating a next-generation symbiosis in which mutual respect amidst diversity in globalization is valued. This goal builds on the original aspirations behind the foundation of Waseda University. Shigenobu Okuma explained the three key principles of the mission of Waseda University as follows: the independence of scholarship, the promotion of the practical application of scholarship, and the fostering of good citizens. He said that there must be grand ideals underpinning the provision of a fine university education. The following is a quotation from Okuma himself: “Japan now stands at the crossroads of East and West. Our greatest ideal is to establish harmony between the eastern civilization and the sophisticated western civilization as a mediator between these different civilizations……To realize this ideal, whatever it takes, Waseda University devotes itself to original research, holding the independence of scholarship and the promotion of the practical application of scholarship as central principles, applying the results to the real world. Therefore, those who aspire to achieve the mission must respect individuality, develop themselves and their families, benefit the nation and society, and be active in the world at large, and be people of character who are capable of fulfilling the mission. They deserve to be called good citizens. ……Therefore, if you want to be good citizens, knowledge alone is not enough. You must have moral character. Therefore, we must not only serve ourselves, our family, or our country, but also aspire to serve the world.”
With this in mind, Shigenobu Okuma founded Tokyo Senmon Gakko, which went on to become Waseda University, to develop global citizens who can take the initiative as leaders using the knowledge they have gained through studies. This aspiration has been a tradition for more than 135 years and embraces us as we gather here today. You have been educated in this way. We gather here at Waseda and then scatter to make this dream come true.
The journey of life you are going to embark on today will not always be a smooth one. You will sometimes experience setbacks or run into unexpected obstacles. At such times, please remember what you learned at the School of Political Science and Economics. You have already mastered the foundations of looking at and thinking about things. Moreover, you have learned wisdom, rather than mere knowledge, which becomes obsolete over time. What else is necessary? Again, Okuma’s words can be your guiding vision: “As the Japanese proverb goes, ‘Nana korobi, ya oki,’ meaning ‘Fall down seven times, get up eight.’ When life knocks you down, stand up again and keep on trying; those who achieve great things are the ones with the courage to stand up again and keep on trying, even after being knocked down seven times.” He went on to remind us that “Discipline is the mother of success. So if you want to succeed, you must have the courage to proactively face hardships.” I firmly believe you can do that. Take on challenges with courage—as the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way!
If you look around you, there seems to be increasing turmoil in Japan and the world at large. It sometimes seems as if the problems facing society today are stubbornly resistant to solutions. However, as has long been our firm belief, Waseda has a role to play in difficult times. I trust that you will prove this to the world by opening up the future of our global society with your own hands, hearts, and minds.
I would like to conclude my congratulatory remarks on your new start by sincerely wishing you health, happiness, and every success in your careers as you navigate your way forward to your destiny. Once again, my heartiest congratulations on your graduation!
March 25, 2020
Norikazu Kawagishi
Dean, School of Political Science and Economics
Waseda University
