Cold, Warm | Kenji Kumasaka (Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)
2004.04.04
March 23, the undergraduate commencement ceremony. It was incredibly cold. The cherry blossoms, just beginning to bloom, must have paused. But people, like machines, stick to the schedule. I shivered on the stage. My disposable hand warmer did its best. I wonder if the pride, courage, and linguistic ability mentioned in the President's address reached the graduates. The cold was powerful enough to reject everything. My speech before the diploma presentation for the SFC students after the ceremony also turned out to be a bit "cold." Sorry. The cold was to blame. The splendor of the formal kimonos was a saving grace. Thank you. I'm sure they danced beautifully at the garden party.
March 29, the graduate school commencement ceremony. Clear skies, warm, and a pleasant feeling. The cherry blossoms were already in full bloom in Mita. Despite only a week's difference. Seeing the graduate students in their sharp suits, they all somehow looked exceptionally capable. I want them to do their best. The world they enter tomorrow may be bitter, or it may be sweet. I'm excited, and a little anxious, to see where they will be in 10 years. In truth, it is the fresh green leaves after the cherry blossoms have fallen that are truly beautiful.
April 2, an early orientation at SFC. On my way to campus in the morning, it was raining despite the clear sky. It felt cold yet warm, and warm yet cold. I gave a speech at the Theta Building. This year's new students are quiet and serious. It's probably because today is their debut as Keio students. From tomorrow, they will likely be running around, boisterous and lively. They too can finally awaken from hibernation and seize their youth. Well, I hope they enjoy it.
April 3, a bright and sunny entrance ceremony at Hiyoshi. With this, the new students have become members of Keio University. The speech given by Mr. Murai was passionate and deeply moving. Perhaps with that face and that belly, he can warmly embrace 6,000 people. The Fukuzawa spirit of "learning while teaching, teaching while learning," as preached by "Mr. Internet," fires up the Keio Gijuku Shachu, especially everyone at SFC. This is how SFC has to be. Such a passionate speech, it made me feel like summer was just around the corner. How impatient of me.
And so, the spring of SFC's 15th year has arrived. Stirring, squirming, and starting to run.
On the 4th, I am writing this diary entry now.
The university Japan-Korea match, cold. Japan scores a dramatic goal in injury time. Finally, I felt warm.
(Date of publication: 2004/04/04)