Waseda University was founded in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma, who pioneered the vision of a university that could combine and reconcile the great civilizations of the East and the West. Now, as Waseda nears its 125th anniversary in 2007, the university is quickly realizing its goal of becoming a "Glocal University"* centered around the three main keywords of "Asia-Pacific," "Media Network," and "Lifelong Learning."

The Waseda University Institute for Asia-Pacific Studies (WIAPS) was established in July 1997 to serve as a new entity for coordinating the joint efforts of the Institute for Systems Science Research (dedicated to delivering quality business education for adults) and the Institute for Social Science Research, which has a long history of producing cutting-edge social sciences research concerning modern Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. WIAPS is the centerpiece of the university's deep commitment to building an educational network for the region and serving as an international focal point for the advancement of learning about the Asia-Pacific region.

WIAPS also became the launch pad for the establishment of the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies (GSAPS) in April 1998, the first completely independent graduate school in the 120-year history of Waseda University. The founding principle of GSAPS is the use of an interdisciplinary, global, and local approach to analyzing and understanding the complex political, economic, industrial, managerial, social, and cultural dimensions of the Asia-Pacific region. GSAPS aims to educate professionals who possess a high level of specialized knowledge, but who will also give back to the community and contribute to the further development of human society.

GSAPS offers courses of study leading to both a master's degree and the doctorate, in two major fields of study, International Relations and International Management (Waseda Business School). Both major fields of study maintain their separate characteristics and identities, but they also complement and support each other to create an optimal learning and research environment.

GSAPS is also at the forefront of innovation in the use of information technology and in bilingualism: master's degree students can complete coursework either entirely in English or in Japanese. GSAPS has discarded the traditional reliance on entrance examinations in favor of a balanced "admissions office" approach to selecting students. New students are admitted twice a year, in April and September, and the academic year is conducted on the quarter system. GSAPS admits a very high percentage of international students from the Asia-Pacific region and from other regions of the world. In terms of both facilities and human resources, GSAPS is uniquely prepared to face the challenges of the 21st Century.

Another innovative step has been the establishment of an International Advisory Committee, consisting of experts and leaders from around the world, who provide advice and guidance to GSAPS and WIAPS concerning all matters of policy and operations. The Committee provides valuable support with respect to the recruitment of students and faculty, the establishment of funds, recruiting and support for international students, and cooperative projects with business and public institutions.

GSAPS and WIAPS have also set up a Supporting Partner System to encourage further cooperative ventures between Waseda University, and businesses and other institutions. Supporting Partners in this network not only support research and educational activities conducted at Waseda, but also know-how or technology developed as a result of these cooperative projects may be used by the Supporting Partners themselves. In this way, the University and Supporting Partners can develop and contribute to society together.