Ever since assuming the leadership of the University of Tokyo, I’ve wanted to share my thoughts and activities as president with members of the university, as well as the larger community outside our institution. With my research field being connected to the ocean, I’d always kept a log during my time conducting surveys and being out at sea. Now, having embarked on my journey as UTokyo’s skipper, I would like to share with all of you my record of this latest voyage, through the UTokyo President’s Log.
Teruo Fujii, 31st President of the University of Tokyo
January 2026
UTokyo PLog #2026-G-1
Date & Time: January 10, 2026
Location: Radisson Blu Chattogram Bay View, Bangladesh
Latitude/Longitude: 22°20'51.7"N / 91°49'22.6"E Open in Google Maps
I attended the commencement ceremony at Asian University for Women (AUW). AUW and UTokyo have held a student exchange program every year since the 2021 academic year. I am delighted that I could celebrate the graduates’ special day in person.
At the ceremony, I was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of my past activities. I will continue to contribute to strengthening the relationship between both schools.
UTokyo PLog #2026-UT-1
Date & Time: January 6, 2026
Location: National Yasuda Auditorium, Hongo Campus
Latitude/Longitude: 35°42'48.3"N / 139°45'44.2"E Open in Google Maps
I delivered my New Year’s Greeting as president at Yasuda Auditorium. Some members of the university, including Executive Vice Presidents and Executive Directors, attended the ceremony in person, while it was also livestreamed to reach all faculty and staff at UTokyo.
In today's society, we are requested to address various global challenges. Under such circumstances, I believe that autonomous, creative and socially open research and educational activities need to be made possible and that now is the time to achieve that. To this end, I will work hard together with the entire UTokyo.
UTokyo PLog #2026-R-01
Date & Time: January 2, 2026
Location: National Route 1, Kanagawa Prefecture
Latitude/Longitude: 35°18'28.3"N / 139°18'37.6"E Open in Google Maps
I went to cheer on the UTokyo student runners participating in the 102 Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race), the intercollegiate, long-distance relay road race.UTokyo students Kensuke Honda (School of Engineering) and Takuma Akiyoshi (Faculty of Engineering) ran the race’s fourth and seventh stages, respectively, as members of the Kanto Region University Student United Team. Just like the previous year, two UTokyo students ran the race, and I am truly delighted about it.I felt a great deal of respect for the two runners who showed powerful performance as well as for the UTokyo track and field sports club and all those who were committed to supporting them.