Congratulations on your graduation. I also would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to all those who have supported the graduates on the way to this fine day.

This year marks 130 years since 18 young attorneys founded the English Law School in 1885. This year is also the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Over that time, Chuo University Faculty of Law has graduated many students who possess a rich sense of humanity, who are dependable and spare no effort in contributing to the development of society. Among those are exchange students from countries that were under Japanese colonial rule. The graduates today are also going to carry on and etch your names in the history weaved by your seniors who have left the white gate of Chuo University.

In the light of the rapidly advancing globalization, there will be a growing demand for interaction with people with different values and objectives, as well as the ability to solve and prevent conflicts and confrontations. Needless to say, 3.11 marks a turning point in our history that makes us reflect on the meaning and responsibility of society, and how and what we can do to support those in need. Understanding the importance of carving out the future, we must also take a new look at the meaning of life of those who approach people with problems, lend a reliable ear to those voices and get involved in solving the problems.

I hope that you will use your professional knowledge of law and politics at your workplaces, make decisions with others, continue to refine your ability to take action, and be successful.