2016 Spring Graduate Matriculation Ceremony Held

Date of activity: April 12, 2016

The University of Tokyo AY 2016 Spring graduate matriculation ceremony was held at the Nippon Budokan on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 12th. Approximately 2,800 new students and 3,300 of their family members (over 6,100 people in total) attended the ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, the Athletic Foundation's Cheer Squad entertained the attendees with spirited cheer routines, followed by the University of Tokyo Orchestra’s rendition of Richard Wagner's "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg Overture." President Makoto Gonokami, the executive vice presidents, deans of the Faculties and Graduate Schools and the directors of University Institutes then advanced towards the stage, along with Dr. Toru Haga, a professor emeritus of the University of Tokyo.

The ceremony began with the singing and musical performance of the University of Tokyo's signature song, "Oozora to (With the Open Sky)" by the Orchestra, male chorus group Chor Akademie, and female chorus group Coro Letizia. President Gonokami then addressed the audience, followed by a speech from Dean of the Graduate Schools for Law and Politics Masahiko Iwamura. Professor Emeritus Haga then gave a celebratory message to the new students and their families. Next, Mr. Michiya Mori, a student in the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, took an oath on behalf of the entire incoming class. The ceremony concluded with the musical performance and singing of another prominent University song, "Tada Hitotsu (The Only One)," led by the Cheer Squad and performed by everyone in attendance, including the new students.