Commencement ceremony for the year 2010 graduates was held on Tuesday, March 15th at Sakura Hall of the Osaka international House.The weather was a bit of concern but it turned out a cozy spring day, pouring warm sunshine over the site. On the day, total of 134 students successfully graduated from Osaka Japanese Language Education Center.The ceremony began with opening greetings by the vice president of O.J.L.E.C., Mr.Nishizawa followed by a commencement address by the president of O.J.L.E.C., Mr. Ishida. After diploma certificates hand out, an address was given by the chairman of JASSO. We also had congratulatory greetings from representatives of Osaka prefecture and Osaka city.

The greetings from Mr. Naoki Himiya of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-Japan were read by a deputy.He was unable to present himself due to tight schedule.

In the address of the president, Mr. Ishida, he encouraged graduates telling them ‘start new life with the confidence and pride that they have lived through in a totally foreign environment’.The chairman of JASSO, Mr.Kajiyama advised students that they try various thing to enrich their experiences so that they are able to make the best decision whenever they face difficulties.

The ceremony went on‘the Governor’s commendation’,‘Award for perfect attendance’,‘Farewell address by a student’, and ‘Valedictory address by a graduate.All the participants sang‘Auld Lang Syne’(hotaruno hikari in Japanese) to close the ceremony.

Since the Tohoku region Pacific Ocean offshore earthquake that his Japan in March 11th did not affect Kansai area, we were able to process the ceremony as scheduled.We also will carry out school events for the next academic year as scheduled.