New Episode from Waseda University Podcast Focuses on Hybrid Peacebuilding Insights

New Episode from Waseda University Podcast

Waseda University, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is excited to announce the release of its fifth episode of the English podcast series, "Rigorous Research, Real Impact," on November 18, 2025. This episode, titled "Hybrid Peacebuilding: Local Voices in Conflict Resolution," is available for free on various platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube, and the Waseda University website.

In this episode, listeners will be introduced to Associate Professor Megumi Kagawa from the Graduate School of Social Sciences. Professor Kagawa specializes in community-driven approaches to sustainable peace. Her extensive experience in the ongoing Bangsamoro peace process in Southern Philippines will be a focal point of this episode. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the complexities of hybrid peacebuilding, the challenges of reflecting national peace agreements within local contexts, and Japan's evolving role in promoting peace and social innovation within Asia.

Moreover, the episode will delve into the appeal of the Graduate School of Social Sciences' English degree program: Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (TAISI). This offering highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary learning and the impact of local voices in resolving conflicts.

About Season 2

The second season of Waseda University's English podcast series consists of eight 15-minute episodes featuring prominent researchers discussing their recent work, academic activities at Waseda, and the university's attractive English degree programs. Topics range from the concept of translanguage in Japan's sociolinguistic context to the legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, and complex themes surrounding peacebuilding.

This series is ideal for potential international students considering their studies in Japan, current students contemplating postgraduate education, and researchers interested in interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule

Episodes are scheduled to be released bi-weekly, starting from Episode 5. Please note that the schedule is subject to change.

- Episode 6 (Release Date: December 2, 2025): Associate Professor Pitalc Pau (Faculty of Arts and Letters) - "Authors, Abnormality, and Identity in Modern Japan"
- Episode 7 (Release Date: December 16, 2025): Professor Ko Aralex (Graduate School of Commerce) - "University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths"
- Episode 8 (Release Date: January 13, 2026): Professor Yuki Cheng (Graduate School of Social Sciences) - "Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong"

About Waseda University

Waseda University currently offers English degree programs across six faculties and 15 graduate schools. According to the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) report from 2024, Waseda has been recognized as the leading institution in Japan for accepting the largest number of international students annually. Additionally, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, Waseda ranked in the top 100 in the humanities and arts (overall 65th) and social sciences and management (overall 99th) categories.

For more information on the podcast and upcoming episodes, please visit: