In the End, It's Courage. | Kenji Kumasaka (Dean of the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies)
2004.09.30
September 18. The graduation ceremony at Mita. Since it's small-scale, the atmosphere is quite nice. The March graduation ceremony is the very picture of solemn tradition, and the moment when the Juku-ka leisurely resonates throughout is exceptional, but the awarding of diplomas is very mechanical, making for a rather sad conclusion. In comparison, at the September ceremony, you can see everyone's faces, hand diplomas to each person individually, and end on a good note. However, the students' names written on the diplomas are often difficult to read, which is more than just a problem—it's embarrassing and awkward. The moment I step up to the microphone to read the names is nerve-wracking. And I made a mistake.
The theme of President Anzai's address was ideals, conviction, and courage. It was persuasive, and the students listened with solemn attention. As I listened, I too was struck by my own lack of courage, thinking how true it is that nothing moves forward without it. I was convinced that no matter how wonderful a picture you paint, you must not spare the effort to realize it, and without the courage to take that first step, the more beautiful the picture, the more hollow it feels.
After the ceremony ended and the tension eased, I greeted the graduates and ended up making a rather rude remark. Something like, "Today is your graduation, but it's also a more important day. It's a historic day when, for the first time in 70 years, professional baseball is not being played due to a strike. Compared to that, a graduation ceremony doesn't seem to matter much..." just slipped out of my mouth. I'm sure the parents and guardians were inwardly fuming, thinking what an irresponsible person I was to ruin such an important graduation ceremony.
To that extent (and this is a self-defense), Furuta was admirable, amazing, and cool. He is the very embodiment of ideals, conviction, and courage. I was moved by his courage to launch an anachronistic event like a strike against the giants of the industry at this particular time. It's just a shame that Furuta is a graduate of Ritsumeikan University. I wanted SFC to produce talent like him. I want SFC to produce talent who can fight not just in sports, but also from the perspective of management and organization. Furthermore, I wasn't pleased that the new venture companies entering the market were Livedoor and Rakuten. And even when I pointed out that it was SFC graduates who were substantially supporting Rakuten, I had mixed feelings. I really hope that SFC-born ventures will soon take the stage. Keep it up.
And so, we had such a graduation ceremony on September 18.
(Date of publication: 2004/09/30)