Students at Kyoto University Wear Costumes to Graduation Ceremony

What would you wear to graduation if you weren’t required to don that simple cap and gown? Well, for students at Kyoto University in Japan, the sky’s the limit. You see, the prestigious college encourages its graduates to have a little fun on graduation day by wearing costumes of their choice.

It sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it? Imagine if you could show up to your graduation ceremony dressed up like a Pikachu or a Power Ranger, or perhaps as your favorite Star Wars character. At Kyoto University, it’s a reality, and the students get really creative when dressing up for their big day.

"When my daughter was in high school, she learned that the graduation ceremony at Kyoto University looked very fun, so she chose to go there,” a student’s mom told Buzzfeed. “Because of this, she’s been saying from the first day of her university: ‘Since I was able to get into Kyoto University, I want to dress up on my graduation day.’” And while the student’s mother notes that “there are many opinions on wearing costumes at a solemn ceremony,” she adds that “as a parent, it was fun to see how everyone—both students in suits or hakama and costumes—seemed to enjoy.”

The tradition was briefly banned in 2011, but it didn’t last long. The cosplay graduation ceremony is something many students look forward to, and their love of the tradition shows in their thoughtful costuming.

Of course, not all students dress in costumes for graduation — and some costumes incorporate suits or traditional dress so students can get the best of both worlds. However, we think it’s pretty awesome that Kyoto University allows its students to express themselves and have a little fun on such a momentous occasion. After all, they’ve been studying hard and deserve to let off some steam, whether that’s in a dress suit or a Pikachu costume.

Related: This Video of Yara Shahidi Graduating High School Will Make You Cry