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Waseda University Podcast: Rigorous Research, Real Impact

On December 2, 2025, Waseda University, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo and led by President Aiichi Tanaka, released the latest episode of its English podcast series, "Rigorous Research, Real Impact." This sixth episode is titled "Authors, Abnormality, and Identity in Modern Japan" and is available for free on various platforms including smartphones, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and the Waseda University website.

In this episode, Waseda's Associate Professor Pitalkupawe joins Shiba Shihara, a Ph.D. student in the Graduate School of Political Science, as they delve into the lives and creative processes of Japanese writers and artists from the early 20th century. The discussion aims to explore how these figures reconstructed their identities amidst the complex socio-cultural landscape of their time.

A Deep Dive into Japanese Literature

The podcast episode examines why 1920s writers equated mental "abnormality" with creative genius. By analyzing contemporary trends in psychology and art, the episode reveals how these notions contributed to a unique cultural identity in Japan during this period. Associate Professor Pitalkupawe shares insights into his own journey of discovering Japanese literature and emphasizes the importance of studying Japanese culture from a global perspective.

Additionally, they discuss the appealing aspects of the English degree programs offered by the Graduate School of Literary Studies, including the J-CulP program and Global-J. By featuring distinguished researchers, this podcast serves as an enriching platform for listeners interested in the intricate connections between literature, psychology, and cultural identity.

About the Podcast Series

The second season of Waseda University’s English podcast, "Rigorous Research, Real Impact," comprises eight episodes, each lasting about 15 minutes. The podcast invites leading researchers to share their current work, their experiences as educators at Waseda University, and the offerings of the university’s English degree programs. Topics covered in this season range from sociolinguistic concepts like "trans-language" to interviews with legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, and broader themes around peacebuilding.

This podcast is ideal for potential international students considering their study options in Japan, current students evaluating further educational opportunities, and researchers contemplating interdisciplinary approaches in academia.

Upcoming Episodes

New episodes will be released bi-weekly, with the following scheduled:

• - Episode 7 (Release date: December 16, 2025): Professor Coread Alex from the School of Commerce discusses "University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths."
• - Episode 8 (Release date: January 13, 2026): Professor Jeong Yuki from the Graduate School of Social Sciences talks about "Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong."

Waseda University at a Glance

Waseda University currently offers English degree programs across six faculties and 15 graduate schools. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) report for 2024, Waseda University welcomes more international students than any other university in Japan. Moreover, in the QS World University Rankings for 2024, Waseda has been listed among the top 100 globally in the fields of Humanities & Arts (ranked 65th) and Social Sciences & Management (ranked 99th).

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on Waseda University’s podcast as it continues to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world impact.