Hokkaido University held its 150th Anniversary Ceremony and commemorative events on September 26 and 27, 2026, at Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater hitaru and Sapporo Arts Community Center SCARTS in central Sapporo.
On September 26, approximately 1,350 people-including guests from Japan and overseas, students and members of the public-attended the ceremony and commemorative program at hitaru.
The opening program began with the resonant sound of the "Elm Bell" prerecorded at the Faculty of Agriculture building, which was restored and brought back into use on August 14, Hokkaido University's Foundation Day. This was followed by a performance by the Hokkaido University Symphony Orchestra. A commemorative video jointly produced with the University of Massachusetts Amherst, one of Hokkaido University's partner institutions, and the University's introduction video, Discover Your Potential, were also screened, highlighting the University's 150-year history and its present-day activities.
Celebrating 150 years and looking to the future
The 150th Anniversary Ceremony followed the opening program. Hokkaido University President Kiyohiro Houkin began by expressing his gratitude to those who have supported the University's development and to the people of Hokkaido.
In his address, President Houkin reflected on Hokkaido's role as an engine of Japan's growth since the early Meiji era, when Sapporo Agricultural College, Hokkaido University's predecessor, was founded. Looking ahead, he emphasized the growing role of universities in areas such as semiconductors and AI, renewable energy, and sustainable, regenerative food production. "The role Hokkaido University plays today will be vastly more significant than its role during the Meiji Era," he said, adding that Hokkaido University would continue to respond to the needs of society.
Referring to Dr. William S. Clark's famous words, "Be ambitious," President Houkin also spoke of another meaning behind the phrase: living with the resilience to withstand adversity.
He concluded by asking for continued support as Hokkaido University moves toward its next 150 years-and its 200th anniversary.
Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Yasuyoshi Kakita, MEXT Deputy Minister for Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, on behalf of Minister Yoshihiro Seki; Javier Reyes, Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a strategic international partner institution with historical ties to Dr. Clark; Hokkaido Governor Naomichi Suzuki; Sapporo Mayor Katsuhiro Akimoto; and Tetsuya Ogawa, chairperson of the Ainu Association of Hokkaido. The ceremony concluded with a performance of "Miyako zo Yayoi," Hokkaido University's traditional school dormitory song, by the Hokkaido University Symphony Orchestra.
Commemorative program brings together research and alumni
The commemorative program began with Vice President Atsushi Yokota introducing several projects launched to commemorate Hokkaido University's 150th anniversary, including Sapporo-Hokudai Children's Book Forest and the renovation and future use of Furukawa Memorial Hall.
This was followed by a commemorative panel discussion featuring Hokkaido University researchers working at the forefront of semiconductors, life sciences, and Green Transformation (GX). The researchers discussed topics ranging from the latest developments in their respective fields to challenges they encounter as educators.
A two-part discussion session titled "Alumni in Action" was also held. The first session, on "Media and Disaster Prevention," featured NHK Sapporo Broadcasting Station announcer Shunri Akamatsu, Aya Satoh of Hokkaido Broadcasting Co., Ltd. (HBC), and weather forecaster Kimiharu Saita. Satoh and Saita, both graduates of Hokkaido University's Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, also shared stories from their student days.
The second session, "Science and Storytelling," brought together novelist Keiya Iwai and Professor Teruo Sone of the Laboratory of Applied Molecular Microbiology, Research Faculty of Agriculture. Iwai studied in Professor Sone's laboratory as a student, and his novel Hokkyokusei wo Egaku (literally, Drawing the North Star), written as part of the University's 150th anniversary projects, features a character modeled after Professor Sone. The pair discussed the connections between science and storytelling.
Celebrating together
Later that day, approximately 900 guests, alumni, faculty, and staff gathered at the Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo for a commemorative reception celebrating the University's 150th anniversary.
The celebration included a kagami-biraki, a traditional ceremony in which a sake barrel is opened to mark an auspicious occasion. For the ceremony, the University used Kita no Hirameki, a sake produced with Hokkaido University students involved throughout the process, from rice cultivation to brewing. Student performances by the Hokkaido University Yosakoi Soran Club "EN" and Jazz Club added to the festivities, while guests including astronaut and Hokkaido University alumnus Mamoru Mohri delivered short remarks.
Music and International Partnerships
On September 27, the Hokkaido University Symphony Orchestra held a commemorative concert at Sapporo Cultural Arts Theater hitaru. Its guest conductor Satoshi Nomura and piano soloist Shunji Sano are both Hokkaido University alumni. Approximately 1,300 people attended the concert, enjoying performances bringing together guests, students and alumni.
On the same day, the international program "Celebrating 150 Years of Ambition: From Sapporo to the World" was held on the Sapporo Campus. Representatives from four universities with close ties to Hokkaido University-the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Melbourne, Seoul National University, and the University of Zambia-were invited to share past collaborative initiatives and discuss opportunities for future cooperation.
Sharing Hokkaido University's research and activities
A variety of other programs were held throughout the two days at hitaru and SCARTS.
At the Science Festa, graduate students introduced their specialized research through accessible poster presentations, while elementary, junior high, and high school students participated in hands-on science activities and entrepreneurship education workshops. The Hokkaido University Research Festival featured lectures organized by the Faculty of Fisheries Sciences, Hokkaido University Archives, and the Botanic Garden, offering visitors opportunities to experience the University's research more closely.
Meanwhile, the "Kita no Marche" marketplace also showcased a range of Hokkaido University original products, including sweets made with fruit grown in the University's orchard and products featuring Hokudai Tankaku Beef. These offered visitors a taste of food and agricultural work connected to the University. A newly launched Pompompurin hand towel, created in collaboration with Sanrio, was another popular item.
Exhibitions throughout the venues also highlighted student extracurricular activities, anniversary photographs, alumni activities, and Hokkaido University's education, research, and vision for the future.
Over the two days, the 150th Anniversary Ceremony and commemorative events welcomed a large number of visitors, providing an opportunity for Hokkaido University to express its gratitude to all those who have supported the University throughout its 150-year history and to share its vision for the next 150 years.
Written and photographed by the Public Relations Division and the Public Relations and Communications Division
With reporting assistance from the General Affairs Division
