A Leap for New Learning

Asahi University President, Katsuyuki Otomo

　I wish you all a very happy New Year.

　Looking back on last year, amidst the world becoming more unstable due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and a worsening conflict between the Islamic organization Hamas and Israel, elections took place in many countries, including Japan and the United States. 2024 gave us a great opportunity to reconsider the nature of democracy and its differing interpretations.

　Asahi University is currently hosting refugee students from Ukraine and Afghanistan as part of our commitment to upholding the principles of our founding spirit, which encourages us to “foster individuals with the sociality and creativity to open up a future international society, as well as having a universal human intelligence that embraces peace and harmony among cultures. Asahi University has always looked for opportunities to share knowledge and build cooperative relations with institutions abroad, therefore, it should come as no surprise that we wished to expand this mission, particularly amid turbulent times, and offer our support to students whose studies and lives are at risk. We follow in the footsteps of many other of our Japanese forbears who have embodied such compassion and commitment to humanity. Of particular inspiration was Mr. Chiune Sugihara, a diplomat from Gifu Prefecture, who had been assigned to the consulate in Lithuania from 1939 during World War II. Mr. Sugihara assisted refugees who fled through various parts of Europe, including Poland, due to the persecution of Nazi Germany. Sympathizing with the plight of these people, he issued a large number of visas that allowed refugees to take refuge in Japan as they continued their journey to their new homes and a sanctuary from the horrors of war.

　I am happy to share with you that two of our Ukrainian students have been employed at Toyota Woven City and Meitetsu World Travel. We are confident that thanks to their strong multi-lingual skills and understanding of Japanese culture hope that they will make excellent contributions and prove to be invaluable employees to their respective organizations. Of course, we continue to pray for a ceasefire in all conflict regions, and may peace find its way into the hearts of all, especially those who have the power to make change.

　As for the current situation at our university, in terms of visualizing the results of learning, we will continue to focus on training dentists, nurses, and dental hygienists. In the School of Business Administration, seven students passed the Certified Public Accountant Examination announced at the end of last year, and a total of 70 students have realized their career dreams. In addition, as marketing is continuously evolving and incorporating new technologies, we stay ahead by continuing the trilateral industry-government-academia collaboration and incorporate this as a specialized field at our institution.

　Every year, the School of Law and the School of Health Sciences produce successful candidates for the civil service examination and teacher recruitment examination. This year, too, we will continue to strive to provide an education that helps each student reach their goals.

　Meanwhile, a new Department of Emergency Medical Science will open in April this year. This will coincide with the welcoming of Professor Shinji Ogura, who established the Advanced Critical Care Center at Gifu University Hospital, to our faculty. Although the enrollment limit is 40 students, we have already received many inquiries from high schools, and we are surprised at the overwhelmingly positive response. As the number of emergency medical technicians working in medical institutions, fire stations, etc., has been increasing in recent years, we have developed a four-year education program that will answer the needs of current society.

　Since its foundation in 1971, Asahi University has been supported and nurtured by the local community. This year as well, we will strive to develop talented individuals who can solve the various issues that the local communities are facing through education, research, and medical activities.

　We appreciate your continuous understanding and support, and may this year, the year of the snake, embody all its positive traits, wisdom, empathy, competence and passion. After all, we will need all of these qualities to overcome the challenges of the current times.