Tag: Waseda University

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”