On March 27, 2026, Nagoya University held the inaugural time capsule laying ceremony for its graduation commemorative initiative, “Path39,” along the tree-lined avenue on the south side of Common Nexus on the Higashiyama Campus. The project takes its name from 1939, the year of Nagoya University’s founding, and was launched during the 2024 academic year with the aim of carrying the hopes and memories of each graduating class into the future.
The tree-lined avenue itself has been christened “Path39,” and the plan is to bury one time capsule per year for 39 consecutive years. All the capsules will be opened simultaneously in 2064.
The ceremony was attended by President Naoshi Sugiyama, Vice President Shogo Kimura, Path39 Executive Committee members Etsutaro Kamino and Daiki Esaka, and other members of the university community. Following remarks by President Sugiyama, he and Vice President Kimura joined Class of 2024 graduate representative Norika Ichiyanagi and Class of 2025 graduate representative Rena Ishiguro in laying the time capsule. The group then gathered for a commemorative photograph.
This year’s capsule contains letters written by graduates to their future selves, photographs, personal mementos, and digital data. When opened in 2064, these items will offer future generations a vivid window into student life and society as it existed at the time of Nagoya University’s 86th graduation.
“Path39” is more than a commemorative milestone. It is designed to strengthen bonds among graduates and build a lasting alumni network. A new capsule will be laid each year going forward, and in 2064, the unearthing of the first capsules and the laying of new ones will take place side by side, ensuring the tradition endures and bringing alumni back together across the decades.
Through this project, Nagoya University looks forward to cultivating a new cultural legacy — one that weaves together the University’s past, present, and future for generations to come.
