On April 2, 2018, the Okayama University Entrance Ceremony was held at Zip Arena Okayama, with a total of 3,453 new undergraduate and graduate students taking their first step in their campus lives.

In his address, President Hirofumi Makino said, “I want you to take an active interest in everything, believing in yourself, and to spend a fulfilling university life with your friends. I hope that the future of Okayama University that we will build together will transcend the history and traditions of our university and bring you great pride and confidence.” Representing the new entrants, Medical School student Hiroto Kondo pledged: “I think that individual new students have their own dreams and goals. Although we may face difficult and painful situations in our university life, we will work hard and cooperate with our friends to improve our skills.”

The ceremony also featured the performance of a celebratory song by the Okayama University Symphony Orchestra and a round of cheers performed by the university’s cheerleading club.