Eight Waseda researchers will join three student MCs to introduce their research and discuss its connection to social debates & trending news.
TOKYO, JAPAN, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Waseda University is set to release the third season of its English-language podcast, “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” on September 9, 2026 (Wed). Across eight new episodes, the podcast will take listeners inside the research of Waseda scholars in the humanities and social sciences, examining how academic research can help us understand some of the issues and conversations making headlines today. The series will also highlight the English-based degree programs offered by the University. “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” can be listened to free of charge on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
This season, eight Waseda researchers will join three charismatic Waseda students, who will take on the role of MCs and guide the conversations. In relaxed, approximately 15-minute episodes, the researchers will introduce their areas of expertise, discuss how their research intersects with current social debates and trending news, and talk about their experiences teaching in Waseda’s English-based degree programs. Topics explored throughout the season include Japan’s economy, labor and migration in Japan, business in Japan, Japanese culture, and AI. By bringing academic expertise into accessible conversations about contemporary issues, the podcast offers international audiences a fresh perspective on Japan and the research taking place at Waseda. It is especially aimed at prospective international students, those considering further study or research in Japan, and anyone interested in discovering new perspectives on the issues shaping Japanese society and beyond.
Episode Release Schedule
■Episode 1（Release date: 2026/09/9）：
Professor Tomoo Kikuchi (Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies)—
“East Asia in a Dollar-Dominated World”
■Episode 2（Release date: 2026/9/24）：
Professor Akihiko Kaneko (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—
“Japan’s Economic Future: Aging, AI, and Automation”
■Episode 3（Release date: 2026/10/14）：
Assistant Professor Shahida Pervin (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—
“Migration, Labor Shortages, and Japan’s Economic Future”
■Episode 4（Release date: 2026/11/04）：
Professor Shinji Hasegawa (Faculty of Social Sciences)—
“Global Goals, Local Realities: Rethinking Sustainable Business”
■Episode 5（Release date: 2026/11/25）：
Professor Naoko Nemoto (Faculty of Commerce, Waseda Business School)—
“Can Doing Good Make Good Business?”
■Episode 6（Release date: 2026/12/16）：
Associate Professor Maki Nakai (Faculty of International Research and Education)—
Episode Title TBD
■Episode 7（Release date: 2027/1/6）：
Professor Hitomi Yoshio (Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences)—
Episode Title TBD
■Episode 8（Release date: 2027/1/20）：
Associate Professor Emily Ohman (Faculty of International Research and Education)—
Episode Title TBD
About Waseda University
Waseda University currently offers English-based degree programs at 6 of its undergraduate schools and 15 of its graduate schools. According to the 2025 Japan Student Service Organization’s report, Waseda welcomes the highest number of international students per year in Japan. Additionally, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 Waseda placed in the top 100 in the world in the broad subject areas of Arts & Humanities (rank #61) and Social Sciences & Management (rank #78).
Amanda Imasaka
Waseda University (早稲田大学）
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Rigorous Research, Real Impact: Season 3 Coming Soon
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