Hokkaido University Holds 2026 Entrance Ceremony at ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO

On April 6, 2026, Hokkaido University held its entrance ceremony at Es Con Field Hokkaido (a famous baseball stadium in Hokkaido), located in Kitahiroshima City.

The venue holds special significance for the university. Kitahiroshima is known as the place where William S. Clark, the first vice-president of Sapporo Agricultural College, is said to have delivered his famous parting words, “Boys, be ambitious.” As Hokkaido University celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, the ceremony was held in a location deeply connected to its origin.

ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, where the entrance ceremony was held

The ceremony began in the afternoon, but a variety of activities were organized throughout the morning so that new students and their families could enjoy this unique experience held at the venue.

Many students and their families gathered from the start for the “field walk” experience, so they could see over the expansive field and rows of stadium seating. A large screen displayed the message, “Congratulations on your admission to Hokkaido University,” and families could be seen taking commemorative photos together in front of it, while also expressing awe at the scale of the venue.

Students and their families were given the rare opportunity to step onto the stadium grounds

A merchandise area was also set up on the first floor of the stadium, featuring a wide range of Hokkaido University original goods. Among the highlights was the university’s sake, “Kita no Hirameki,” produced with student involvement from rice cultivation to brewing. Visitors could also browse and purchase sweets made from fruit grown in the university’s orchards, as well as new products prepared especially for the ceremony. The area remained lively throughout the day, with many attendees stopping by to explore.

The merchandise corner bustling with visitors

^{Left: “Kita no Hirameki” sake
Right: The new Hokkaido University product “Raspberry Crispy Cookies” that comes with a pen case}

At 2:00 PM, the ceremony officially began with a performance of “Elm no Kane,” a piece closely associated with Hokkaido University, by the Hokkaido University Symphony Orchestra.

Hokkaido University President Kiyohiro Houkin then delivered his opening speech (see his full message [here]), followed by the student pledge presented by Kiriya Togami. The pledge took place on the pitcher’s mound, with new students and their families watching from the infield seating.

Kiriya Togami presenting the student pledge to President Kiyohiro Houkin

Video messages from distinguished guests who were unable to attend in person were shown on the stadium’s large screens. These included the Governor of Hokkaido, the Mayor of Sapporo, architect Tadao Ando (who designed and donated the “Children’s Book Forest” library on the Sapporo Campus), and its honorary director Mari Yamazaki. Messages were also sent by professional baseball players Hiromi Itoh and Sachiya Yamasaki of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, whose home stadium is Es Con Field Hokkaido.

A video message was shown on a large screen

In the latter half of the ceremony, a lecture was delivered by Sachio Semmoto, an advisor to the university president, offering an inspiring message to the new students.

This was followed by performances from student groups, including the cheerleading team, Japanese traditional cheering squad, choir, and symphony orchestra. Their dynamic performances filled the stadium and warmly welcomed the incoming class.

^{Left: The cheerleading team shines on the big field
Right: Japanese traditional cheering squad}

^{Left: Student choir
Right: Hokkaido University Symphony Orchestra}

After the ceremony, students shared their impressions of the day. A new student from Fukuoka said, “I love baseball. Even though I support a different team, I was really happy to have my entrance ceremony in a stadium like this.” A student from Sapporo commented, “I was amazed by the Japanese traditional cheering squad’s performance. The female leader’s voice carried through the stadium without a microphone—it was incredible.”

Congratulations to all new students on your admission to Hokkaido University. We wish you a fulfilling and meaningful university life ahead.

Be Ambitious.

New students and their families brimming with excitement at the ceremony (More photos are available on the university’s official Instagram)

Text and photos provided by Public Relations & Communications Division

Based on the original Japanese article:
https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/news/2026/04/8hokkaido.html