AY 2024 September Undergraduate and Graduate Entrance Ceremony: 584 New Students Including International Students

The AY 2024 September Entrance Ceremony for new students at both Keio University's undergraduate faculties and graduate schools was held at the West School Building Hall on Mita Campus from 10:00 on Tuesday, September 24. This academic year, a total of 298 new undergraduate and Japanese Language Program students were admitted in September: 105 at the Faculty of Economics; 7 at the Faculty of Law; 5 at the Faculty of Business and Commerce; 43 at the Faculty of Policy Management; 42 at the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies; and 96 in the Japanese Language Program. 286 students were admitted to Keio University's graduate schools. 188 will enter master's programs, 79 will join doctoral programs, and 19 will enroll in a professional degree program.

The ceremony began with Vice-President Yoshimitsu Matsuura delivering the incoming class report, followed by President Kohei Itoh giving his welcome address in English, in which he spoke about how the "Gijuku" in "Keio Gijuku" is derived from the English public school. He also described Keio University as a place which brings together students who aspire to contribute to public development through their knowledge and research. He also mentioned Gakumon no susume (An Encouragement of Learning), written 150 years ago by Keio founder Yukichi Fukuzawa, who emphasized the need to persevere in one's studies not just for one's own sake, but for the betterment of society. President Itoh encouraged the new students to pick up a copy and pore over its teachings. He then concluded his address by conveying his high hopes for the students-that they will work hard in their studies and research endeavors to become talented professionals capable of utilizing technologies such as AI and genome editing skillfully.

After a congratulatory address by Professor Yutaka Shimomura from the Faculty of Law on behalf of faculty and staff, Ysanne Yeo, a student at the Graduate School of System Design and Management, offered remarks as a representative for new students. The ceremony concluded with the Keio mixed choral group Gakuyukai singing the Juku-ka, the Keio Alma Mater.