Tag: Waseda University

In this episode of Waseda University’s “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” Graduate School of Political Science PhD student Peter sits down with Associate Professor Pau Pitarch from the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences to explore how early 20th-century authors and artists in Japan reimagined their identities. Prof. Pitarch unpacks why writers in the 1920s proudly identified with mental “abnormality” as a mark of creative genius, and how global currents in psychology, art, and modernity shaped this unique cultural moment. The conversation also delves into Professor Pitarch’s personal journey into Japanese literature, the value of studying culture within Japan using a global lens, and what makes Waseda’s English-based degree programs in the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences—JCulP and Global-J—such vibrant spaces for international learning and discovery.

“Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and

YouTube. It’s a great choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating challenging themselves in graduate school, and researchers interested in Japan and potentially working for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 7（Release date: 2025/12/16）:

 Professor Alex Coad (Faculty of Commerce)—

“University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths”

■Episode 8（Release date: 2026/1/13）：  

Professor Yuhee Jung (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong”

   Professor Yuhee Jung (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong”

Waseda University released episode three, “Social Construction of Territorial Disputes in Northeast Asia”, of season two of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on October 21, 2025. All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Episode 3: “Social Construction of Territorial Disputes in Northeast Asia”

In the third episode of season two of Waseda University’s podcast series Rigorous Research, Real Impact, our PhD student host Peter interviews Professor Alexander Bukh about his award-winning research on territorial disputes in Northeast Asia. Professor Bukh explains how these disputes—like those over Dokdo/Takeshima and the Northern Territories—are not just political or historical conflicts but are socially constructed through national identity narratives shaped by non-state actors. He also shares insights into his own academic journey, the unique research environment at Waseda, and how his seminars at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies encourage students to critically engage with issues of nationalism and international relations in the region. 

About Season 2

Season two features eight knowledgeable Waseda researchers casually conversing with Waseda PhD students about their recent, rigorously conducted research in the humanities/social sciences, their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda, and the merits of the English-based degree programs they are a part of. Short 15-minutes episodes will cover a range of themes that include translanguaging in the Japanese sociolinguistic context, legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, and hybrid peacebuilding. It’s the perfect choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating further study in graduate school, and researchers looking to make the move to Japan and work for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule

 

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 4（Release date: 2025/11/04）：

 Associate Professor Jack Seddon (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—

“Market Makers: The Politics of Market Design”

 ■Episode 5（Release date: 2025/11/18）：

   Associate Professor Megumi Kagawa (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Hybrid Peacebuilding: Local Voices in Conflict Resolution

 ■Episode 6（Release date: 2025/12/2）：

   Associate Professor Pau Pitarch (Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences)—

“Authors, Abnormality, and Identity in Modern Japan”

Waseda University released the fourth episode, “Market Makers: The Politics of Market Design”, of season two of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact.” Episode 4 features an engaging conversation with Associate Professor Jack Seddon from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics. Hosted by Fabian, a PhD student at Waseda’s Graduate School of Economics, this episode uncovers “the hidden architecture of the global economy.” Prof. Seddon shares insights from his research on the London Metal Exchange, revealing how global markets are shaped not only by economic forces but also by deep political struggles and institutional design. The discussion also delves into Prof. Seddon’s personal journey from capital markets lawyer to academic researcher, his experience working in Japan, and what makes the Faculty of Political Science and Economics’ English-based degree programs a unique place to study international political economy.

All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

 

Season two features eight knowledgeable Waseda researchers casually conversing with Waseda PhD students about their recent, rigorously conducted research in the humanities/social sciences, their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda, and the merits of the English-based degree programs they are a part of. Short 15-minutes episodes will cover a range of themes that include translanguaging in the Japanese sociolinguistic context, legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, and hybrid peacebuilding. It’s the perfect choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating further study in graduate school, and researchers looking to make the move to Japan and work for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule

 

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

 ■Episode 5（Release date: 2025/11/18）：

   Associate Professor Megumi Kagawa (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Hybrid Peacebuilding: Local Voices in Conflict Resolution”

 ■Episode 6（Release date: 2025/12/2）：

   Associate Professor Pau Pitarch (Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences)—

“Authors, Abnormality, and Identity in Modern Japan”

■Episode 7（Release date: 2025/12/16）:

 Professor Alex Coad (Faculty of Commerce)—

“University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths”

The fifth episode of season two of Waseda University’s English research podcast “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” hosted once again by Graduate School of Economics PhD student Fabian, welcomes Associate Professor Megumi Kagawa from the Faculty of Social Sciences, whose research focuses on community-driven approaches to sustainable peace. Drawing on her extensive experience in the Bangsamoro peace process in the Southern Philippines, Professor Kagawa discusses the concept of hybrid peacebuilding, the challenges of translating national peace agreements into local realities, and Japan’s evolving role in fostering peace and social innovation in Asia. The conversation also explores Waseda’s Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (TAISI) program, an English-based degree program where students from around the world engage in hands-on learning, dialogue, and fieldwork that bridge theory and practice in conflict resolution.

About Season 2

Season two features eight knowledgeable Waseda researchers casually conversing with Waseda PhD students about their recent, rigorously conducted research in the humanities/social sciences, their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda, and the merits of the English-based degree programs they are a part of. Short 15-minutes episodes will cover a range of themes that include translanguaging in the Japanese sociolinguistic context, legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, and hybrid peacebuilding. It’s the perfect choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating further study in graduate school, and researchers looking to make the move to Japan and work for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule

 

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 6（Release date: 2025/12/2）：

   Associate Professor Pau Pitarch (Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences)—

“Authors, Abnormality, and Identity in Modern Japan”

■Episode 7（Release date: 2025/12/16）:

 Professor Alex Coad (Faculty of Commerce)—

“University vs. Corporate Startups: A Tale of Two Entrepreneurial Paths”

■Episode 8（Release date: 2026/1/13）：

   Professor Yuhee Jung (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Institutionalized Socialization: How Companies Help Newcomers Belong”

Waseda University released the second episode, “Hideo Kojima and the Art of Game Design”, of season two of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on October 7, 2025. This latest episode features Assoc. Prof. Brian Hikari Hartzheim (Faculty of International Research and Education), a leading expert in new media and video game studies, and PhD student Fabian (Graduate School of Economics) discussing the cultural significance and creative innovation behind video games. Through an exploration of “progressive game design” and the influential work of renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, listeners gain fresh insights into how video games shape society, storytelling, and global cultural conversations. Assoc. Prof. Hartzheim also introduces some of the courses he teaches as part of the English-based degree programs in the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) and Graduate School of International Culture and Communication Studies (GSICCS), which offer a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment for students and researchers

from around the world.

All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Season two will feature eight knowledgeable Waseda researchers casually conversing with

Waseda PhD students about their recent, rigorously conducted research in the humanities/social

sciences, their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda, and the merits of the English-based

degree programs they are a part of. Short 15-minutes episodes will cover a range of themes that

include translanguaging in the Japanese sociolinguistic context, territorial disputes in Northeast

Asia, and hybrid peacebuilding. It’s the perfect choice for international listeners considering

attending university in Japan, current students contemplating further study in graduate school,

and researchers looking to make the move to Japan and work for a university that stresses the

importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 3（Release date: 2025/10/21）：

Professor Alexander Bukh (Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies)—

“Social Construction of Territorial Disputes in Northeast Asia”

■Episode 4（Release date: 2025/11/04）：

Associate Professor Jack Seddon (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—

“Market Makers: The Politics of Market Design”

■Episode 5（Release date: 2025/11/18）：

Associate Professor Megumi Kagawa (Faculty of Social Sciences)—

“Hybrid Peacebuilding: Local Voices in Conflict Resolution

In this season two inaugural episode, Associate Professor Theron Muller from the Faculty of Human Sciences joins PhD student Peter Chai to discuss his research on translanguaging, which views languages as interconnected and synchronously working together, within the Japanese sociolinguistic context. The episode also highlights one of Waseda’s innovative English-based degree programs in the Graduate School of Human Sciences, where Professor Muller teaches. Additionally, he offers valuable insights for researchers considering academic careers in Japan, emphasizing both the unique opportunities and cultural transitions involved in joining Waseda’s vibrant community.

“Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. It’s the perfect choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating further study in graduate school, and researchers looking to make the move to Japan and work for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

One episode released every two weeks.

*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 2（Release date: 2025/10/7）：

 Associate Professor Brian Hikari Hartzheim (Faculty of International Research and Education)—

“Hideo Kojima and the Art of Game Design”

■Episode 3（Release date: 2025/10/21）：

 Professor Alexander Bukh (Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies)—

“Social Construction of Territorial Disputes in Northeast Asia”

■Episode 4（Release date: 2025/11/04）：

 Associate Professor Jack Seddon (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—

“Market Makers: The Politics of Market Design”

Following the success of the first season of its English language podcast “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” Waseda University launched season two on September 23, 2025 (Tue). The eight-episode season continues to broadly showcase the diverse work of Waseda University social sciences and humanities researchers while also introducing the English-based degree programs they teach in. “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube. 

 

 Season two will feature eight knowledgeable Waseda researchers casually conversing with Waseda PhD students about their recent, rigorously conducted research in the humanities/social sciences, their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda, and the merits of the English-degree programs they are a part of. Short 15-minutes episodes will cover a range of themes that include legendary game designer Hideo Kojima, territorial disputes in Northeast Asia, and hybrid peacebuilding. It’s the perfect choice for international listeners considering attending university in Japan, current students contemplating further study in graduate school, and researchers looking to make the move to Japan and work for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches. 

Episode Release Schedule

One episode released every two weeks.

  *Please note the schedule is subject to change.

■Episode 1（Release date: 2025/09/23）：

Associate Professor Theron Muller (Faculty of Human Sciences)—

“Translanguaging and Identity: Research in the Japanese Context”

■Episode 2（Release date: 2025/10/7）：

Associate Professor Brian Hikari Hartzheim (Faculty of International Research and Education)—

“Hideo Kojima and the Art of Game Design”

■Episode 3（Release date: 2025/10/21）：

Professor Alexander Bukh (Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies)—

“Social Constructed Borders: Territorial Disputes in Northeast Asia” 

Waseda University released the eighth and final episode of the first installment of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on February 18, 2025. The episode is titled “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”. All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Episode 8: “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”

In this final episode of the first installment of the series, Assistant Professor Robert Fahey (Waseda Institute for Advanced Study) serves as the guest and talks candidly with his Research Assistant Romeo Marcantuoni (Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies) about their joint research project examining the rise of Japan’s Sanseito party, which was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their conversation explores the interplay between conspiracy beliefs, the increasingly complex information environment, populist movements, and the broader political system in Japan and beyond.

“Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact”

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• Waseda University Website

About the Series:

Waseda University’s first ever English-language academic podcast titled “Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is an 8-episode series broadly showcasing the diverse work of our renowned social sciences and humanities researchers. In each of the short 15-45 minute episodes we welcome a knowledgeable researcher to casually converse with an MC about their recent, rigorously conducted research, the positive impact it has on society, and their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda. It is a perfect choice for listeners with a strong desire to learn, including current university students considering graduate school, researchers looking for their next collaborative project, or even those considering working for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

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 2023 Japan Student Service Organization’s report, Waseda welcomes the highest number of international students per year in Japan. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 Waseda placed in the top 100 in the world in the broad subject areas of Arts & Humanities (rank #63) and Social Sciences & Management (rank #99).

Waseda University released the seventh episode, “Ensuring Gender Diversity in Executive Management Positions”, of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on February 4, 2025. All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

In episode 7, Professor Toru Yoshikawa (Faculty of Social Sciences) speaks with MC Assistant Professor Yun Jung Yang (Waseda Institute for Advanced Study) about his recent research exploring gender diversity in top management teams, particularly women in the role of the Chief Human Relations Officer (CHRO). Professor Yoshikawa worked with a team of researchers that investigated why women are increasingly appointed to the CHRO position in the US but less so to other executive roles. Additionally, he uses his expertise to reflect on gender diversity, ESG (environmental/social/governance), and DEI (diversity/equity/inclusion) initiatives at companies in Japan, as well.

About the Series:

Waseda University’s first ever English-language academic podcast titled “Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact” is an 8-episode series broadly showcasing the diverse work of our renowned social sciences and humanities researchers. In each of the short 15-30 minute episodes we welcome a knowledgeable researcher to casually converse with an MC about their recent, rigorously conducted research, the positive impact it has on society, and their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda. It’s a perfect choice for listeners with a strong desire to learn, including current university students considering graduate school, researchers looking for their next collaborative project, or even those considering working for a university that stresses the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.

Episode Release Schedule
*Please note the schedule is subject to change.

Episode 8（Release date: 2025/2/18：Assistant Professor Robert Fahey, MC PhD Candidate Romeo Marcantuoni— “Unlocking the Rise of Conspiracy Movements in Japan”