Congratulations to the students entering the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) in 2021. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.

  You have chosen to pursue your studies at NAIST, situated in Kansai Science City, an area which aims to be an innovative and global center for pioneering academic research. As a world-renowned educational hub in the city, NAIST has assumed a central role in conducting cutting-edge educational research and creating new industries.

  This year, under the leadership of the new president, Shiozaki Kazuhiro, NAIST will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in October. In the future, as IoT and AI pervade our daily lives and create new value in our society, I expect that the roles that you will assume will become increasingly important.

  We are now in the midst of the fight against COVID-19 and I am sure that quite a few of you today are worried about the educational environment and research activities. However, I believe that the current pandemic can serve as an opportunity for contemplating how our society and the economy should change, or in the case of NAIST students, the future directions of science and technology.

  Based on the world-class green science and technology research at NAIST, the Center for Digital Green-innovation was established in January of this year as a center to resolve the grave environmental and food issues that affect humanity on a global-scale and to build a prosperous and sustainable society.

  Towards the resolution of these global issues, I hope NAIST fosters individuals who not only have an understanding of the latest science and technology in various fields and expertise in specific areas, but also a wide perspective, flexibility, capacity for integrating knowledge, and creativity; talented individuals who can support and contribute to the development of science and technology in the future.

  To those entering NAIST today, in order to accomplish these missions, I ask you to take advantage of the excellent resources around you, fully engage yourself in your studies, and be diligent in the pursuit of your research activities.

  To conclude, I would like to congratulate you on your wonderful new start today, and wish you all the best in your health and success.

April 5, 2021
ARAI Shogo
Governor of Nara Prefecture