#Taisho University #Friendship Event #New Students

Taisho University’s Innovative Evening Ceremony for New Students

On April 1, 2026, Taisho University, located in Toshima, Tokyo, will host a groundbreaking event titled the “Evening Entrance Ceremony.” Initiated by a committee of current students, this ceremony aims to ensure that the university is “a place where you can definitely make friends.” This initiative comes in response to common concerns voiced by new students, particularly anxiety about forming social connections.

A recent survey by LINE Research revealed that one of the top worries for incoming college students is whether they will be able to make new friends. Understanding this sentiment, the dedicated student committee decided to create an event that would help alleviate these fears for newcomers.

The inaugural Evening Entrance Ceremony held in 2025 saw an impressive turnout, with 632 new students attending—more than half of the enrolled newcomers. Following this event, there was a noticeable increase in the registration for extracurricular activities, indicating enhanced connections among students and a rise in their motivation to engage in campus life.

This year, the second edition of the event will feature the catchy slogan “This night, ribbons will become bonds,” and will see previous participants joining the organizational committee to help create an inclusive atmosphere. The event will include enjoyable activities like “Shaberingo,” which combines group conversation and bingo games, allowing students to break the ice and discover shared interests.

Key Highlights of the Event

1. The Event will coincide with the 2026 Entrance Ceremony planned for April 1.
2. It aims to alleviate the common anxiety of new students about making friends.
3. Last year’s event led to a significant increase in student engagement in extracurricular activities and strengthened peer relationships.

Event Details

• - Date: April 1, 2026
• - Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (registration starts at 4:30 PM)
• - Venue: Taisho University Sugamo Campus, 3-20-1 Nishisugamo, Toshima, Tokyo, 170-8470
• - Eligibility: New students for the Academic Year 2026
• - Organizer: Evening Entrance Ceremony Planning Committee

Feedback from the Organizers

One of the committee members shared their personal experience of making friends during the first Evening Entrance Ceremony, stating that the connections they made significantly enriched their university life. Motivated by this positive experience, they have been involved in preparations since July to ensure new students also get the chance to form friendships.

This year, the event will focus on fostering connections, symbolizing “night” and “ribbon” in its theme. Nametags will be color-coded by faculty to facilitate natural conversations, such as recognizing peers from the same department. This design encourages interactions not only within similar fields of study but also with those from different disciplines. The goal is for new students to make many friends and enjoy their university experience to the fullest.

About Taisho University

Taisho University, established in 1926, is guided by four major Buddhist sects—Tendai, Shingon, Jodoshin, and Jishu—in a collaborative effort. The university’s founding principle emphasizes the practice of