On April 1, 2025, Seinan Gakuin University in Fukuoka City kicked off the new academic year with an entrance ceremony for approximately 2,100 new students. This year's ceremony, held in the university's gymnasium, marked a significant milestone for these students as they embark on their higher education journey.
As the clock approached 10 AM, the gymnasium filled with fresh-faced students clad in new suits, their faces brimming with anticipation for the road ahead. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as they gathered to celebrate this important transition from high school to university life.
University President Hisao Imai took to the stage to deliver an inspiring address. He emphasized the importance of literacy in various fields, stating, "University is a place to acquire literacy in various fields, and I hope you will challenge yourselves with the Global Liberal Arts program and the Data Science minor course." Imai expressed his anticipation for the students' growth over the next four years, encouraging them to embrace the educational opportunities that lie ahead.
During the ceremony, attendees participated in a scripture reading and sang hymns, creating a reflective and uplifting environment. Imai's words resonated with the new students, who are now tasked with not only learning but also growing into well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of the modern world.
Hinako Shironai, a representative from the Department of Child Education within the Faculty of Human Sciences, also addressed the audience. She shared her excitement about becoming part of the esteemed Seinan Gakuin University community. "I am thrilled to become a member of the historically rich and traditional Seinan Gakuin University. I want to prioritize three things during my time here: taking action, cherishing encounters, and having the courage to take on challenges. I will strive to make my university life as fruitful as possible through daily efforts," Shironai stated.
In addition to the encouraging speeches, the ceremony also highlighted the university's commitment to providing a comprehensive education. Imai urged students to develop a deep understanding of literacy, which he defined not just as the ability to read and write but as a means to engage with the cultural and historical contexts of language. He explained, "Literacy originally refers to the ability to read and write, but what comes to mind when you hear 'reading ability'? You might think of comprehension skills in Japanese or second languages like English or French. However, if the goal is merely to translate and gather information, a translation machine would suffice. The crucial aspect is that words carry histories and cultural backgrounds, and learning about these enriches our understanding of reading."
Seinan Gakuin University has introduced two new curricula aimed at enhancing students' literacy skills. The first, "Global Liberal Arts," builds on the university's longstanding commitment to English education, while the second, a minor in Data Science, addresses the essential literacy needed in today's data-driven society.
The entrance ceremony not only marked the beginning of academic pursuits but also served as a reminder of the importance of building connections and fostering a supportive community among students. As they step into this new chapter, the university hopes its students will not only achieve academic success but also develop into engaged and responsible citizens.
Lectures at Seinan Gakuin University are set to commence on April 9, 2025, providing students with the opportunity to dive into their studies and begin their journey toward personal and academic growth. The university has also announced that a video of the entrance ceremony will be available on its official YouTube channel, allowing those who could not attend to share in the experience.
As the new students embark on their academic journey, the community at Seinan Gakuin University stands ready to support them, fostering an environment where they can thrive and develop the skills necessary for their future endeavors. With the encouragement of their peers and faculty, these students are poised to make the most of their time at one of Japan's respected institutions of higher learning.
