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Message to Asahi University Students
Katsuyuki Ohtomo

President
Asahi University

Two months have already passed since the new school term started. I will convey my address to the first grade students who have dreams for the future and students who are studying now, doing sports, volunteer work, or those who’re currently in search for their future careers.

One year has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. In the disaster area of Tohoku District. 340,000 people or more are still living a life they’ve never experienced before. People forced to live a life of a refugee in it’s own country. My dear students, our country is facing serious challenges ahead. Debris caused by the devastating tsunamis, decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, decontamination of the affected areas, settlement of interim storage facilities, long-term care for the people directly and indirectly affected, seeking way to promote renewable energy and so forth.

Furthermore, with the current crises in the Eurozone, starting with Greece followed by Spain, Portugal, Italy and other peripheral countries in Europe, the world economy is facing yet another serious challenge and potential risk of a “Second Lehman Shock”. The inability of Greece to repay its debts, and the current speculation of leaving the Euro has forced the country into a series of cutbacks and changes in government politics which has left the Greek people to ask themselves a simple question, “Is there a democracy in the cradle of democracy?”

My dear students, we are all facing an uncertain future. In order to be prepared, we need to be strong in mind. Following Asahi University’s philosophy, I ask you to continue devoting yourselves to the fields you’ve selected, improve your skills and hone your senses. By doing this, I strongly believe that the future of our country will be bright and you, as its leaders, will make it stronger than ever.

Mr. Eric Emerson Schmidt Chairman of the current executive chairman of Google was invited to the commencement ceremony of Boston University, USA. in May 2012.

This is his commencement address.

http://www.bu.edu/today/2012/google-eric-schmidt-to-graduates-be-the-adorer-of-life/

The future is in your capable hands. The future is you.