Opening Messages
President of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University: Hiroshi Yoneyama
Opening Speech Summer in JAPAN 2025
Dear Young Learners,
On behalf of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, I am delighted to welcome you to Summer in Japan 2025 here in beautiful Oita Prefecture. This special program represents your opportunity for international understanding and cultural exchange with the world’s future leaders.
Summer in Japan 2025 offers you an extraordinary opportunity to explore yourself through fresh eyes while meeting new friends from diverse backgrounds. Through engaging workshops, cultural activities, and collaborative projects, you will discover new perspectives on various cultures, innovation, and your role in the global community.
At APU, we believe that meaningful learning happens when curiosity meets collaboration. During your time here, you will not only deepen your understanding of your cultural heritage but also develop the critical thinking and communication skills essential for tomorrow’s challenges. The wonderful university student mentors, who gathered from top universities in the United States and Japan, are excited to guide you on this journey of discovery.
Oita’s stunning natural beauty and warm hospitality provide the perfect backdrop for learning and friendship. I encourage you to embrace every moment, ask questions, share your ideas, and form connections that will last far beyond this summer experience.
As you embark on this adventure, remember that you are not just participants in a program – you are young ambassadors for Japan’s future. Your enthusiasm, creativity, and unique perspectives will not only contribute to making Summer in Japan 2025 truly special but also shape the experience for others.
Once again, I extend a warm welcome to you to Summer in Japan 2025 and welcome you to an unforgettable summer of learning, growth, and discovery.
Warm regards,
YONEYAMA Hiroshi
President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
President of Akita International University: Monte Cassim
Opening Speech Summer in JAPAN 2025
It is my pleasure to address you, the participants in the Summer in JAPAN on the occasion of the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 program. Since 2012 the Summer in JAPAN program has been bringing together primary, junior high, and high school students with Teaching Assistants from Harvard University and, recently, from Akita International University (AIU) as well. In this internationalized learning environment, and through the successful application of the “Hirotsuru Method” of instruction and learning, you will grow your abilities and proficiencies in English. You will advance your communication skills and you will have the opportunity to engage those skills as you develop into a global citizen.
A global citizen is capable of fostering understanding across the complexities of international communication. The future, I believe, belongs to those who are able to be intercultural in their understanding, flexible in their thinking, and participative in solving problems and resolving issues both locally and internationally. Global citizens are the best candidates to become global leaders. Global leaders are what we strive to create at AIU. With our diverse student population, our applied liberal arts program, our international exchanges, and our emphasis on fostering understanding and communication, AIU provides a dynamic environment that nurtures global leaders. I believe that the Summer in JAPAN program can be the exciting start of your own process of becoming a global leader. Global leaders are what the world needs.
I will end with a quote from Sir Ken Robinson, who was a famous British educator. He reminded us that “Curiosity is the engine of achievement.” So, I encourage you to fully engage your curiosity during your time at Summer in JAPAN. Let your curiosity be the engine that drives your learning this summer. Finally, let your curiosity blaze a path for you in becoming a global leader.
Monte CASSIM
President, Akita International University