6th Homecoming Day Held

Originally scheduled for May, out of deference to the many victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the 6th Homecoming Day was postponed until the autumn. Thus, in conjunction with Osaka University's Machikane Festival , it was held on the Toyonaka campus on Sunday , November 6 . Despite less than ideal conditions of occasional rain, about 230 graduates and their families and friends visited the campus. Cheerleaders welcomed alumni and guests with a smile at the entrance of the Common Education Hall ["'E' Go Kan"], adding to the mood.

Hosted by EGUCHI Taro, trustee and vice president, the homecoming ceremony kicked off with a performance by the cheerleaders.

Greetings were then presented by three figures, President HIRANO Toshio, the president of the alumni association and former president of Osaka University KUMAGAI Nobuaki, as well as Professor Emeritus TATARA Kozo, who delivered the keynote speech "Tradition and Teaching about one's Alma Mater."  In an easy-to-understand manner, he talked about tradition and teaching at Osaka University handed down to the present based on historical materials. He also said that although other imperial universities were established by the government, Osaka University was nurtured by the town of Osaka.

The lecture was followed by a party at the restaurant in the library building. The party started with a toast proposed by NISHIKAWA Yoshifumi, graduate from the School of Law and an adviser at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

Participants enjoyed chatting and renewing friendships while listening the background music played by the student music circle "Swing" and the party finished in a friendly atmosphere.

After the party, visitors participated in events held by schools they graduated from and events in the Machikane Festival. Many spent the day at their old school, viewing the 14th Exhibition " The 'Me' in my Brain and the 'Me' in Data " at the Museum of Osaka University.

We'd like to express our sincere appreciation to alumni and friends for their participation in this year's events.

Alumni are cordially invited to attend the ceremony at next year's Homecoming Day again with your family and friends!

President HIRANO delivers a speech.							Performance by the cheerleaders.
Former President KUMAGAI delivers a speech.							Professor Emeritus TATARA delivers a speech.