Envision, Then Forge Ahead with Freedom and Discipline: Dean Kiyoki's Address at the 2026 Graduation Ceremony

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Mar 13

On March 12, 2026, Musashino University held the Graduation Ceremony for the Faculty of Data Science and the Conferral Ceremony for the Graduate School of Data Science. Dean Professor Yasushi Kiyoki addressed both undergraduate and graduate students with two core messages he has shared with graduates throughout his career. The following is drawn from those remarks.

Photo: Dean Yasushi Kiyoki of the Faculty of Data Science delivering his address at the Musashino University Data Science Graduation Ceremony.

Faculty of Data Science — Graduation Ceremony

Vision, Mission, Passion

Before I hand you your diplomas, allow me to say a few final words. This may sound like a lecture, but these are words I have continued to share with graduates throughout my years at Keio University and here at Musashino University. Ishibashi-kun, who is here today, has heard this many times already — (laughs) — but I want to leave it with all of you as my last message. Please keep it in your hearts.

The three words are: Vision, Mission, and Passion. All three must be present for you to truly thrive in society. If even one is missing, it becomes very difficult.

Let me start with Passion. I am not worried about you here. In this era, when data science is still in its early days, you made the choice to study it — to build your life around it. You came in with a very high level of passion from the start. That part is fine.

Next, Mission — the ability to take on assigned challenges and work through them seriously. For people who have studied as hard as you have, this is something you can handle. Difficult missions will come, but at your level, you have the ability to meet them.

Now, Vision. This is, in fact, what is said to be most lacking — not just among you, but in Japanese society at large. "Let's build a system like this." "Let's shape a society like this." "Let's create an environment like this." "Let's make a world like this." The act of imagining — of dreaming — is the most important thing. I know it is not easy. But start there. Start with the dream.

Keep that Vision alive, combine it with your proven capabilities (Mission) and the Passion you were born with, and create a new era. That is the essence of "future creation" — what we have always believed in through data science. From today, keep living with data science always in your thoughts.

Freedom & Discipline

There is one more message I want to leave with you: "Freedom & Discipline."

You love freedom, don't you? You want to think freely, to explore freely. That freedom — that is the source of people's motivation and the wellspring of creativity. To imagine freely, to build your Vision freely — this is, without question, the most important thing.

But freedom alone is rarely enough for success. It is equally important to cultivate Discipline within yourself. How much must you study? How much must you keep pushing? Set that standard yourself, and hold yourself to it. Discipline is the indispensable partner to Freedom.

Freedom alone will not get you there. Discipline alone will wear you out. Carry both as your two wheels.

Do you remember Musashino University's beautiful campus? A beautiful world, a beautiful space. Take pride in what you learned here, and walk forward. This campus is your academic home. Come back any time. If you have questions, the door is always open. Use this campus throughout your life. Congratulations to you all — from the bottom of my heart.

Graduate School of Data Science — Conferral Ceremony

Freedom, Discipline, and What Your Thesis Defense Proved

To the graduate students as well, I offer the same words: "Freedom & Discipline." You have heard this before, but for those of you who have built up years of research, these words carry a deeper weight.

Freedom is the foundation of research — that goes without saying. But to provide genuine value to society, Discipline is equally indispensable. As researchers and professionals, holding both of these qualities is what will drive your growth in your field and your contribution to the world. Let us continue the conversation about data science together.

And there is one thing I want you to carry with confidence: the thesis defense process in this graduate school is exceptionally rigorous. You faced sharp questions from every faculty member and pushed through each one to reach graduation. That is clear proof of your knowledge and your ability as a researcher. Never forget it.

The definitions, concepts, and methods you developed through your thesis are already your own knowledge. Speak about them in your own words. Apply them to the problems you will encounter. That is the posture of an AI and data science researcher — and it is what I expect from each of you.

Graduation Is Not an End

One final word.

Graduation is not the end. From today, until the day you die, you are called to keep learning. The only path to growth in this world is study. To live always with data science in your mind — that is the fundamental posture of someone who has given their life to the world of scholarship, and it is a source of great pride. Congratulations to you all.

To all who have completed the master's and doctoral programs: the faculty and staff wish you every success in the journey ahead.