Waseda University, located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has proudly announced the launch of the third season of its English podcast series, 'Rigorous Research, Real Impact,' set to begin on September 9, 2026. This highly informative series, which comprises eight episodes, focuses on insightful research from Waseda scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Each episode aims to explore significant contemporary issues and events through an academic lens while highlighting the distinguished features of Waseda's English degree programs. The podcast is available for free on various platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
In Season 3, eight Waseda researchers come together with three student hosts to delve into their respective fields of expertise. Each episode lasts approximately 15 minutes, during which researchers will explain their studies in an accessible manner, discussing their relevance to today's social challenges and pressing news stories. This interactive format allows for a dynamic dialogue between researchers and student hosts, showcasing the unique attractions of Waseda University’s English programs.
The topics covered in this season are diverse, ranging from the Japanese economy and labor migration issues to the landscape of business in Japan, cultural perspectives, and the influence of artificial intelligence. The podcast intends to foster a deeper understanding of both the research conducted at Waseda University and broader societal issues, all through the medium of engaging dialogue.
Particularly suited for those interested in studying abroad at Waseda or learning in Japan, the series offers valuable insights into global challenges facing Japanese society today. Moreover, anyone keen on expanding their knowledge of the intersection between academic research and real-world applications will find this podcast series immensely rewarding.
Distribution Information
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- YouTube
Episode Release Schedule
- - Episode 1 (Release Date: September 9, 2026): Prof. Tomohiro Kikuchi (Graduate School of International Studies) — 'East Asia in a Dollar-Dominated World'
- - Episode 2 (Release Date: September 24, 2026): Prof. Akihiko Kaneko (Graduate School of Political Economics) — 'Japan’s Economic Future: Aging, AI, and Automation'
- - Episode 3 (Release Date: October 14, 2026): Lecturer Parvin Shahida (Graduate School of Political Economics) — 'Migration, Labor Shortages, and Japan’s Economic Future'
- - Episode 4 (Release Date: November 4, 2026): Prof. Nobutaka Hasegawa (Graduate School of Social Sciences) — 'Global Goals, Local Realities: Rethinking Sustainable Business'
- - Episode 5 (Release Date: November 25, 2026): Prof. Naoko Nemoto (Graduate School of Commerce) — 'Can Doing Good Make Good Business?'
- - Episode 6 (Release Date: December 16, 2026): Associate Prof. Maki Nakai (Graduate School of International Studies) — Episode Title TBD
- - Episode 7 (Release Date: January 6, 2027): Prof. Hitomi Yuo (Graduate School of Humanities) — Episode Title TBD
- - Episode 8 (Release Date: January 20, 2027): Associate Prof. Emily Oman (Graduate School of International Studies) — Episode Title TBD
At Waseda University, an extensive array of English degree programs is currently offered across six faculties and fifteen graduate schools. According to a 2025 report from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO), Waseda has consistently ranked as the university in Japan accepting the most international students each year. Furthermore, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2026, Waseda University is listed among the top 100 globally in both the humanities and arts (overall rank 61) and social sciences and business (overall rank 78), reaffirming its position as a world-class educational institution.