2012 United Graduate School of Agricultural Science Entrance Ceremony

April 13, 2012
Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Tadashi Matsunaga, Director

Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology United Graduate School of Agricultural Science On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to extend my congratulations to all of you who have enrolled in the new school. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, I would like to extend our congratulations. I would also like to extend my congratulations to their families and all those who have supported them behind the scenes and in the sun. We hope that you will continue to watch over them warmly as they experience various experiences and grow as students of this university.

This year's new students are Department of Biological Production Science 12, Department of Applied Life Science 6, Department of Symbiotic Science of Environment and Natural Resources 14, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering 7, and Department of Science on Agricultural Economy and Symbiotic Society 5, for a total of 44. This includes 8 international students, coming from 6 different countries. These 44 students will be the new buds of Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, spreading leaves, blooming flowers, and becoming seeds that will take root and grow on their own. The days you spend at the university will have a great deal to do with what kind of tree you will become in the future. The faculty and staff of the university sincerely hope that you will be able to enjoy your time at the university.

As you know, along with advances in science and technology, modern society is now faced with many critical global-scale problems that affect the survival of the human race, including issues related to the environment, energy, food, health, safety and security, disasters, and so on. In addition, Japan faces the pressing issue of reconstruction from last year's earthquake and tsunami disaster. We, as scientists, must be actively involved in, or rather, lead the way in addressing these issues. The field of agriculture, in particular, is the discipline that is most directly related to the survival of humankind, whether in terms of the environment, resources, or food. The basic philosophy of the University is "to contribute to world peace and the advancement of science and technology in harmony with society and the natural environment, while striving to create knowledge and nurture human resources capable of solving problems and realizing solutions". Since its foundation in 1874, the Institute has evolved to produce scientists who will contribute to the modernization and internationalization of Japan. The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science was established in collaboration with Ibaraki University and Utsunomiya University beyond the framework of universities, in order to utilize and complement the characteristics of each university's research, and to develop more sophisticated and useful front-line agricultural research. The University is an ideal place for fostering human resources who can lead the construction of a sustainable, recycling-oriented society. The role of the Graduate School is to help you become international opinion leaders who contribute to the coexistence and welfare of humankind. As one of the ways in which I would like you to be prepared, I would like to talk about "failure" today.

Failure is an inevitable part of being a scientist. No one wants to fail. Especially nowadays, there seems to be a tendency to hide failures or only do what is safe for fear of failure. Of course, we do not want you to fail. However, in conducting research with high ideals, it is impossible not to fail even once. Whenever you find that your experiments are not going well, that you are not getting the results you want, or that you do not know how to proceed with your research, I urge you to remember Thomas Edison's words: "I have not made any mistakes.

I have not failed. I have discovered ten thousand times that this will not work.'
(I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.)

As long as you live willingly, nothing is wasted. You can find meaning in what seems to be a failure and move on to the next thing. Scientists are the ones who make plans with faith, fear no failure, never give up, challenge again and again, steadily carry out experiments one by one, achieve results, and give back to the society as a benefit. You are about to join the ranks of these scientists. Your days at this graduate school are a preparatory stage for you to be active on the front lines after you complete your studies. We hope that you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to transcend the boundaries of the university, transcend nationality, and gain a global perspective as you pursue your research here at United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, and that you will gain a broad range of experience. Flexible thinking, absorptive capacity, multifaceted perspectives, objectivity, a challenging attitude, an indefatigable mind, and a highly sensitive sensibility are all things you will acquire while in this graduate school, and they will be your future treasures. I hope that you will become high-quality researchers who can play a central role in solving global problems and contribute greatly to the construction of a recycling-oriented society and a society capable of sustainable development.

Finally, there is one more thing that may seem obvious but is very important. Research is sometimes mentally and physically demanding. Without a sound mind and body, you will not be able to continue your academic career. In particular, those of you who have come from rural areas or overseas may experience a lot of anxiety in an unfamiliar place. Please take good care of your health and enjoy a fruitful university life. Of course, we are not yet satisfied with our current situation. We will continue to make our utmost efforts so that we can further develop and back you up even more strongly. I would like to conclude my address by expressing my hope that all of you gathered here today will not forget the feelings you have today, and that you will grow as the working adults of tomorrow, and by welcoming you once again as members of this university.