2026/4/2

On Wednesday, April 1, Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (KUFS) held its 2026 academic year entrance ceremony in the Morita Memorial Hall. It was attended by a total of 1,388 new students enrolling in the graduate school, undergraduate school, Japanese Studies Center for International Students, and Junior College.

Toshiro Kita, who became the new KUFS president this month, offered stirring words of encouragement during his address, saying, "Out in the world, we are constantly faced by two paths: one that leads to confrontation and divisiveness, and one that leads to understanding and harmonious cooperation. Across the globe, these two possibilities are constantly at odds, and the thing which separates them is language. Language is more than a means of communication; it represents the intellectual foundation necessary to facilitate mutual understanding among people with different cultural backgrounds and values, and to foster a human race defined by mutual respect among its members. It is precisely because we have language that we can turn confrontation into dialogue, and division into cooperation. Starting today, all of you here will begin your studies in order to attain that power, and KUFS plans to provide its full support to you in those endeavors."

Mr. Kita also took the podium during the post-ceremony Welcome Session for new students and delivered a speech titled "KUFS, Innovation and You."

KUFS is proud to welcome all of its new students
We hope all of you will pursue international exchanges and various extracurricular activities in addition to your studies to enjoy a rewarding and fruitful student life.

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