Congratulations on entering Chuo University. I applaud the effort which you have made in order to enter university and I commend you for entering our university. On behalf of all school officials, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome. I hope that you will grow significantly by devoting yourselves to your academics and other activities at our university. I will do everything possible to support your progress.

In order for you to spend meaningful time at university, it is important that you understand current trends for Japanese universities. First, as goes without saying, is globalization associated with the internationalization of society. Globalization is more than simply a university accepting more foreign students or sending more Japanese students to study overseas. In modern society, work is performed with a global perspective and on a global scale, almost to the point where it is difficult to differentiate between domestic work and international work. Therefore, in addition to interaction with Japanese society, today's universities must cooperate with international society in order to provide academics and experiences which prepare students to perform. From last year, Chuo University has applied to the Project for the Promotion of Global Human Resource Development on a university-wide scale, which has been adopted by the MEXT. I hope that new students will actively participate, broadening their perspective and scope of activities to a global scale.

Second, many people are now studying at university, meaning that university education is rapidly becoming universal. This universalization can be attributed to a shift to an information-based society and to an increasing rate of people entering university. As a result, in the context of Chuo's founding spirit, it is necessary for you to thoroughly understand the characteristics of a university environment in which students take the initiative to seek higher education and improve themselves. Chuo University was founded as Igirisu Horitsu Gakko (English Law School) in 1885. Symbolized by Hakumon (the White Gate), we have grown as a university with 128 years of tradition. Our mission is to apply our founding spirit of "Fostering the Ability to Apply Knowledge to Practice" to modern society. This mission is inherited as our university message of cultivating Knowledge into Action through diverse academic research and broad, practical education. I hope that you will understand this university culture. In addition to acquiring fundamental skills and knowledge, I hope you will take advantage of the academics and opportunities which are unique to Chuo University in order to acquire communal and social knowledge.

Third, regarding the role of universities, in addition to the traditional functions of high-level research and education, universities are recently expected to perform the functions of social cooperation and social contribution. Today, society is facing a variety of problems which include difficulties arising due to the Great East Japan Earthquake. Universities are expected to instill students with the ability to survive in society and to cultivate professionals who will create a new future. To meet these expectations, universities must cooperate with the regional and other organizations in order to realize social contribution through volunteer activities and other initiatives. Chuo University is working to develop systems and an environment for regional cooperation and social contribution. I hope to fulfill our university's social mission through voluntary participation from new students.

Among the trends which I have just discussed, today's universities are expected to function as engines of social change. In such times, I hope that you will take full advantage of Chuo University's academic environment, which is based on our unshakeable school motto and enables you to refine your innate qualities and abilities. Please value the human interaction and various experiences that you will have while studying at our university. I truly hope that you will spend meaningful and vibrant time at Chuo University. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate you once again and to offer my sincere wishes for your health and success.