Shortly after its founding, Waseda University launched various extension activities: extramural lectures, publication of those lectures, and extracurricular lectures in various places within Japan.

These undertakings may be said to have played a pioneering role as the first "Open University" in Japan, sharing the same philosophy as the university extension centers of European and American institutions.

Waseda University Extension Center, established in April 1981, has carried on this tradition. Its purpose is to contribute to culture, business and industry in Japan by providing educational opportunities and meeting the needs of all sectors of the public ? including women, the aged and those in business. To promote this purpose, it opened another school in Hatchobori (Chuo Ward in Tokyo) in April 2001 providing more opportunities for more people to engage in lifelong learning. Distance-lecture programs have also been started in some parts of Japan. In addition, it has also provided Internet classes in many areas.

Lifelong learning is becoming an increasingly integral part of the mission of universities. The Waseda University Extension Center has approximately 28,000 students, and courses in 1,300 subjects through its continuing education program, called the "Open College". Its activities include Programs for Business People, Language Programs and many others. It also provides educational opportunities for those who want to study abroad by organizing short-term study abroad programs.

In addition, about twenty extramural lecture meetings are held each year in different parts of Japan. Seminars on specific topics are also held to promote exchange between academics and people in business and industry etc.