In the year 2007, Waseda University celebrated the 125th anniversary of its founding by Shigenobu Okuma, scholar and government leader. Waseda is one of Japan's top private, co-educational institutions of higher learning. Founded as a college with three departments under the old Japanese system of higher education, it has since grown to become a comprehensive university with two senior high schools and a School of Art and Architecture. Outlined below are the benchmarks in the University's history:
- Historic Highlights
- Waseda’s history has been colorfully interspersed with visits by great scholars, politicians, journalists and more, from all over the world. Holding true to founder Shigenobu Okuma’s ideal of harmony between Eastern and Western civilizations, Waseda continues to provide intellectual stimulation to its academic community.
1922
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
The campus overflows with students trying to get a look at the famous scientist when he comes to give a lecture at Waseda.
1956
Tanzan Ishibashi
Tanzan Ishibashi
Waseda has turned out many politicians including several prime ministers since Ishibashi, the first Waseda alumnus to be elected P.M.
1957
Jawaharlal Nehru
Jawaharlal Nehru
Together with Tanzan Ishibashi, Indian Prime Minister Nehru is the first recipient of an honorary doctorate from Waseda.
1962
Robert Kennedy
Robert Kennedy
Kennedy attends a student debate in the Okuma Auditorium. On his return to the United States he published an account of his travels "Just Friends and Brave Enemies", using the royalties to create the Robert Kennedy Scholarship which he donated to Waseda.
1979
Herbert von Karajan
Herbert von Karajan
Karajan receives an honorary doctorate. In commemoration of his visit, the longtime resident counductor of the Berlin Philharmonic conducts the Waseda Symphony Orchestra.
1993
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
Clinton gives a lecture at the Okuma Auditorium followed by a friendly question and answer session with students.
1995
Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela
Mandela is awarded an honorary doctorate and speaks passionately about democracy and peace in his recipient's address.
1998
Jiang Zemin
Jiang Zemin
In the first official visit to Japan by a Chinese head of state, President Jiang Zemin gives a lecture at the Okuma Auditorium.
2002
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President Macapagal-Arroyo becomes the third Philippines President to receive an honorary doctorate degree.
2004
Yuan Tseh Lee
Yuan Tseh Lee
President of Academia Sinica and Nobel Prize Laureate in chemistry. Lee receives an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of great contributions to humankind as a scientist.
2005
William Henry Gates III (Bill Gates)
William Henry Gates III (Bill Gates)
Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect of Microsoft Corp. receives an honorary doctorate degree. Gates gives a memorable speech with a message, "I look forward to the contributions that today's university students will make to the world".
2006
Wangari Muta Maathai
Wangari Muta Maathai
Maathai, the Nobel laureate for Peace receives an honorary doctorate in recognition of her civilian efforts in achieving peace and environmental sustainability, as represented by the Green Belt Movement.
2007
Henry A. Kissinger
Henry A. Kissinger
Kissinger receives an honorary doctorate in recognition of his contribution to the world peace. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation to students in his recipient's address.