We extend our warmest congratulations to iCLA’s Spring 2026 graduates on reaching this remarkable milestone!
The Spring 2026 Graduation Ceremony was held on March 14 in the Furuya Kinendo, on a beautiful, sunny morning. The ceremony opened with the awarding of diplomas to graduates from the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Business Administration, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Institute of Sport Science, and the International College of Liberal Arts. Each valedictorian took the stage as a representative of their faculty, and a total of 919 undergraduate students across the five faculties received their diplomas.
President Takako Aoyama addressed the graduates with a speech delivered bilingually in Japanese and English. She reflected on extraordinary circumstances in which graduation ceremonies could not be held, such as in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. “Remembering those moments reminds us how meaningful it is to gather here today, together with friends, teachers, and family members,” noted President Aoyama.
In an age defined by rapidly evolving technology and artificial intelligence, she encouraged graduates to value their personal experiences and their independent thinking, shaped through their time in classes, extracurricular activities, and time spent with friends. Drawing on the words of American writer Rachel Carson and Yamanashi author Yamamoto Shugoro, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of wonder and growing through the choices one makes. “I hope that wherever your path leads, you will continue to observe the world with curiosity, think independently, and act with courage,” said President Aoyama.
The graduate representative from the Faculty of Health and Nutrition delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class, expressing gratitude to the university and commitment to lifelong learning.
The recipients of the Student of the Year Award and Dean’s Award were also announced during the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, a small celebration was held in the iCLA lobby, where graduates gathered with family and friends to enjoy light refreshments and share the moment together.
Once again, congratulations to all iCLA Spring 2026 graduates. We hope the experiences and friendships you have built at iCLA continue to guide and inspire you in the years ahead, no matter where you are in the world.
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