Waseda University sets Sept. 9 launch for Season 3 of English podcast

Waseda University will release the third season of its English-language podcast, Rigorous Research, Real Impact, on Sept. 9, 2026, with eight new episodes led by researchers and student MCs. The series is designed to connect Waseda scholarship with current debates on Japan’s economy, labor, migration, business, culture and AI while promoting the university’s English-based degree programs.

Why it matters: - Waseda University is using a podcast to make academic research more accessible to international listeners. - The series links humanities and social science research to issues now shaping debate in Japan, including the economy, labor, migration, business, culture and AI. - The podcast also serves as a window into Waseda’s English-based degree programs for prospective international students and others considering study or research in Japan.

What happened: - Waseda University said Season 3 of its English-language podcast, “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” will launch on Sept. 9, 2026. - The season will include eight episodes released through Jan. 20, 2027. - Eight Waseda researchers will appear with three student MCs who will guide the conversations. - Episodes will be available free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

The details: - Each episode is expected to run about 15 minutes. - The researchers will explain their areas of expertise and discuss how their work intersects with current social debates and trending news. - The series will also highlight teaching experiences in Waseda’s English-based degree programs. - Confirmed episode topics include East Asia in a dollar-dominated world, Japan’s economic future, migration and labor shortages, sustainable business, and whether doing good can make good business. - Episode 1 features Professor Tomoo Kikuchi of the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies. - Episode 2 features Professor Akihiko Kaneko of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics. - Episode 3 features Assistant Professor Shahida Pervin of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics. - Episode 4 features Professor Shinji Hasegawa of the Faculty of Social Sciences. - Episode 5 features Professor Naoko Nemoto of the Faculty of Commerce, Waseda Business School. - Episode 6 features Associate Professor Maki Nakai of the Faculty of International Research and Education, with the title still to be announced. - Episode 7 features Professor Hitomi Yoshio of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, with the title still to be announced. - Episode 8 features Associate Professor Emily Ohman of the Faculty of International Research and Education, with the title still to be announced. - Waseda says the podcast is aimed especially at prospective international students, people considering further study or research in Japan, and listeners seeking new perspectives on Japanese society.

Between the lines: - The podcast is part outreach tool, part academic showcase. - By pairing researchers with student MCs, Waseda is packaging scholarship in a format designed for broader audiences rather than specialist listeners. - The focus on English-language delivery and globally relevant themes suggests Waseda is trying to strengthen its international profile as much as its public-facing research message.

What's next: - The first episode is scheduled for Sept. 9, followed by new releases through Jan. 20, 2027. - Waseda is expected to reveal the remaining titles for Episodes 6, 7 and 8 before or during the season. - Listeners can follow the series on the university’s podcast platforms and social media channels, including Waseda University’s social media page.

The bottom line: - Waseda is turning its researchers into podcast voices to connect campus scholarship with the public conversation in Japan and abroad.