I, Yoji Koda, assumed the position of president on April 1, 2007 following the resignation of the previous president, Shigetake Nagao, at the conclusion of his term of office.

As a graduate of Musashino Art University, taking over as president at a time when the university is about to celebrate its 80th anniversary is not only deeply moving, but also, considering the history of the university in the context of an increasingly complex and diverse society, something that makes me all the more conscious of the importance of the role the university plays in shaping the future.

Musashino Art University has produced countless graduates with exceptional talents and technical abilities in a variety of fields. Even without taking into account the active role these graduates play in so many different walks of life, it is widely acknowledged that Musashino Art University is one of the country's leading art and design universities.

Recent times have seen a trend towards the evaluation of universities by public institutions, university evaluation bodies, and other organizations, but in my opinion the strictest judges are the students themselves who study at these universities. I firmly believe that the direction Musashino Art University should take is one in which we live up to the expectations of students who study and conduct research at the university on a daily basis by offering them access to the finest education and the very latest research, thereby enabling them to follow their respective paths in life with a real sense of pride as former students of the university. With this in mind, I am committed to gathering together the best teaching staff and ensuring the appropriate facilities, equipment, and other conditions are in place.

The recent trend in society towards emphasizing results alone and putting the highest priority on improving efficiency has led to a downplaying of the importance of art education in primary and secondary education. I think that at times like this, art and design education not only has a particularly important role to play, but also shoulders a huge responsibility. Now more than ever, it is the duty of Musashino Art University as one of this country's leading universities specializing in art and design to contribute to the development of art and design culture by producing talented people able to apply the knowledge they have gained by participating in society as responsible individuals. This is because I believe a society in which art and design flourishes is above all else a society that values the feelings of each and every individual human being.

Musashino Art University is committed to pooling the knowledge and talent of the university as a whole in an effort to provide a better education and research environment, better facilities, better international ties, and a successful program of activities to mark our 80th anniversary.

Some exciting activities are in store at the university as we strive to promote the development of our art and design culture.