TUJ’s commencement ceremony in Tokyo on April 24, 2026
- More than 600 graduates were recognized in Tokyo, with over 550 attending, including students completing degree requirements next semester
- The Class of 2026 earned 510+ bachelor’s and 90+ master’s degrees, with about 95% employment and placements at global firms
- Expansion continues with TUJ Kyoto, a new Tokyo site opening this fall, and a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence
The Japan campus of Temple University (TUJ) held its 2026 commencement ceremony in Tokyo on April 24, awarding degrees to more than 600 students who completed their degree studies in Japan. More than 550 of them, including some who are scheduled to complete their degree requirements next semester, attended the ceremony.
The Class of 2026 earned more than 510 bachelor’s degrees, and over 90 master’s degrees in education, management and law, and eight doctoral degrees. A delegation from the main campus led by President John Fry attended the ceremony and delivered remarks congratulating the graduates on their achievements.
Graduates have gone on to pursue further studies or begin professional careers, with many choosing to continue in Japan. Temple Japan’s employment rate has consistently been around or above 95%. Members of this year’s graduates received job offers from organizations including Accenture, Amazon Japan, Asahi Shimbun, Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, Custody Bank of Japan, Deutsche Bank, Fujitsu, Japan Airlines, Japan’s Ministry of Defense, NEC, United Airlines, Sony Music Solutions and Universal Studios Japan.
Speeches and Guests
Representing the graduating class, Aisha Nemoto, who earned a bachelor’s degree, and Thomas Aguirre, who completed a Master in Management degree, delivered speeches to their fellow classmates and guest attending commencement. The ceremony was streamed live on the internet so that family and friends from around the world could view it. The broadcast can also be viewed on the Graduation 2026 website.
Erik Jacobs, chief of staff for U.S. ambassador to Japan, also addressed graduating class. Members of TUJ’s Board of Overseers and prominent TUJ supporters from the business community were also in attendance.
Awards and TUJ’s Growth
Prior to commencement, the university held an awards ceremony recognizing students for academic excellence, including those graduating summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude, as well as students who achieved outstanding milestones in their major programs. TUJ also honored an outstanding graduating senior from each major and recognized scholarship recipients, including those awarded the Diamond Scholarship and the Mochida-Stronach Scholarship. The university also presented the Teacher of the Year Award.
TUJ is a branch campus of Temple University, one of only 21 universities in the U.S. to hold both the highest research rating of Research-1 (R1) status and the Opportunity College and University designation in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications.
With a student body exceeding 3,500, TUJ continues to expand its presence in Japan. This includes the opening of TUJ Kyoto in January 2025 and the March announcement of a second major site, the Hillside Center, in metropolitan Tokyo set to open this fall. Academically, the university continues to broaden its undergraduate and graduate offerings, including the recent announcement of a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence to launch in in the upcoming fall semester. In addition, TUJ offers non-degree programs to more than 2,000 learners of all ages, with a community focus on advancing English language education from youth to adults.
Other related stories
- Graduates Honored with TUJ’s Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards (March 27, 2026)
- Temple University Japan Career Fair 2026 Draws Record 550+ Students and Top Employers in Tokyo (March 25, 2026)
- Temple University to Open Second Major Location in Tokyo (March 2, 2026)