Congratulations to all our new students, and to those of you who have entered or are continuing on to our graduate school. This is an exciting and pivotal moment in your academic journey. I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to your family members and other persons who have provided you with support along the way. It is a true pleasure for Kyoto Institute of Technology to welcome you and the vibrant, fresh energy you bring with you today.

In Kyoto, the pursuit of refinement is woven into the fabric of everyday life, through food, clothing, and shelter or the cultural practices of tea ceremony and flower arrangement. This sense of elegance is evident in carefully crafted dishes and confections, as well as in the seasonal arrangements that grace the rooms. Kyoto is not only a place where tradition is preserved but also one where innovation flourishes, continually giving rise to new value.

We refer to the spirit of Kyoto �� the drive for refinement and creative challenge �� as “Kyoto Thinking,” and apply it in our education and research at this university. Based on this Kyoto Thinking, we nurture individuals who will take responsibility for the future of the planet and that of Japan. To achieve this, we align our programs with three concept combinations: ART �� SCIENCE, LOCAL �� GLOBAL, and TRADITION �� INNOVATION.

The ��art�� in the first of these, “ART �� SCIENCE,” refers to “artistic thinking,” a creative approach that is not bound by conventional wisdom and is similar to the process a painter goes through when creating something on a blank canvas. It involves brainstorming, thinking outside the box and finding new ideas without being confined to established norms.

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss art and engineering with Tamame Akamatsu, the former president of the Kyoto City University of Arts. Some may view art and science as unrelated disciplines, but the process of developing expertise in both fields is surprisingly similar. An artist��s education begins with cultivating objectivity and exceptional observational skills. To see things objectively, one must first be observant, which is why art students engage in drawing exercises to refine their observational skills. Through this process, they learn to carefully examine their subjects without being influenced by personal bias. Similarly, engineering students build a foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, learning to observe and understand their areas of study. I encourage all of you incoming students, to hone your observational skills through the study of your respective disciplines.

Another key aspect of objectivity is the ability to question oneself. Artists regularly encounter the work of others and often ask themselves, ��Could this work be better? How? If this were my piece, how would I have portrayed it?�� Similarly, in engineering, where the goal is to create new value, constantly questioning and reassessing one’s work is essential. To enhance your ability to view something objectively, it is necessary to draw ideas not only from the natural sciences but also from the humanities and social sciences. At KIT, faculty and students are engaged in a wide range of fields, including biology, materials science, chemistry, electronics, mechanics, information technology, design, architecture, textiles, and the humanities and social sciences. I encourage you all to take full advantage of the unique opportunities at our university: engage in liberal arts courses, participate in interdisciplinary and hands-on projects, and collaborate across disciplines to strengthen your objective thinking skills.

The second guiding combination is “LOCAL �� GLOBAL.” You will be studying in Kyoto, one of the few places in the world where a wealth of traditional culture and cutting-edge global industries coexist. While the unique advantages of studying in Kyoto are undeniable, we urge you to look beyond the local and seize opportunities abroad. KIT offers numerous chances to engage in global academics and research, including overseas internships, summer schools, and double graduate degree programs with partner universities. Many of our graduate students present their research internationally. If you have the opportunity to work or study abroad, I strongly encourage you to take it. This experience will provide you with a valuable chance to broaden your perspective, strengthen your personal values, and develop a more objective view of the world.

The third guiding combination, “TRADITION �� INNOVATION,” describes the essence of our university, which has continued to foster individuals who not only preserve skills but continue to take on innovative challenges and develop human resources who create new value. KIT has its roots in two predecessor schools established over 120 years ago. When one of these schools, Kyoto College of Technology, opened its doors, its first president, Iwata Nakazawa, stated that both ��theory�� and ��application�� were of paramount importance. By “theory” he meant cutting-edge research and by “application,” utilizing this knowledge in the production process. The other predecessor school, Kyoto College of Textile Fiber, was established to advance Japan��s production of raw silk, eventually leading Japan to become the world’s top producer of raw silk. Inheriting the philosophy, purpose and traditions of our predecessor schools, we are engaged in pursuing innovation through research and education. I encourage you to take up the challenge of creating new value.

Last year, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded for groundbreaking discoveries that enabled machine learning using artificial neural networks, mimicking the workings of the human brain. Artificial intelligence began with an attempt to replicate the workings of the human brain. This sometimes leads to the mistaken belief that AI could completely replace humans. However, just as airplanes, which were initially inspired by birds, have evolved into something very different than what they were modeled on, we must remember that humans and artificial intelligence are distinct. AI can only make inferences after processing vast amounts of data, while humans, can make judgments even in unpredictable situations, when fundamental assumptions no longer apply.

To cultivate this ability to make human judgments in unforeseen situations, I encourage you to deeply engage with your peers, faculty, and others, building relationships and actively communicating. Interacting with people who have different ideas, perspectives and opinions is invaluable. The conflicts, frictions, and even mishaps that arise from such encounters will become significant learning experiences.

Up until now, numerical data such as scores on exams and standardized tests for incoming undergraduates, and GPA��s for graduate students has largely influenced the choices you��ve made. However, the realities you will face in the future, whether in your immediate surroundings or on a global scale, will not always follow simple cause-and-effect relationships. Unexpected situations will arise and you cannot rely solely on numerical data. There are limits to what artificial intelligence can achieve. Through your interactions with others, I encourage you to develop the ability to make sound judgments in unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, know that the true friends you make through these interactions, will become treasures that will last a lifetime.

I would like to conclude by wishing you all a productive and fulfilling student life. Once more, congratulations to all our incoming students.

April 7, 2025
Dr. Masahiro Yoshimoto
President, Kyoto Institute of Technology

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