On April 5, 2026, Nagoya University held its entrance ceremony for the 2026 academic year at Toyoda Auditorium. With cherry blossoms still in bloom across campus, the university welcomed 2,176 new undergraduate students and 2,357 graduate students.
Before the ceremony began, the Nagoya University Mixed Chorus performed a welcoming song for the audience. President Naoshi Sugiyama and distinguished guests then took to the stage accompanied by music from the Nagoya University Symphony Orchestra. During the ceremony, President Sugiyama delivered a congratulatory address to the incoming students and introduced the guests on stage. A representative of the new students then delivered a pledge on behalf of the class.
In his address, President Sugiyama spoke on the differences between artificial intelligence and human beings. He noted that living with purpose and embracing challenges are things AI cannot do, and encouraged incoming students to take on new experiences throughout their university lives and develop their own individual strengths that cannot be replicated by AI.
This was followed by speeches from two distinguished guests, Dr. Ryoji Noyori (President of the Japan Academy, Honorary Director-General of the Center for Research and Development Strategy at the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and Distinguished Professor at Nagoya University) and Mr. Masaharu Shibata (Special Advisor at NGK and President of the Nagoya University Alumni Association). Following the formal ceremony, Nagoya University’s cheer squad performed to encourage the new students.
The area in front of Toyoda Auditorium was busy with new students, their families, and returning upperclassmen who had come to welcome the incoming class.
Congratulations once again to all new students!
