Waseda University was founded in 1882 by Shigenobu Okuma who advocated the "harmony of western and eastern civilization". Today, a century after its foundation, Waseda University is promoting university reform under the three concepts, "Asia-Pacific", "media network", and "institutionalization of lifelong learning" for the realization of a "glocal university*", which is also the university's second founding principle.

The Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies was established in July 1997 to embody one of the concepts of Waseda University's reforms, "Asia-Pacific". The Institute of Social Sciences and the Institute of System Sciences together constitute the core of the Institute. The Institute of Social Sciences has long pursued research in the field of social studies concerning modern Japan and other Asian regions, while the Institute of System Sciences has a proven reputation in business education targeting working people and is entrusted with collaborative research from industry and government.

Furthermore, in April 1998, the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, which the Institute is parental, was inaugurated as the university's first independent graduate school.. The graduate school's basic philosophy is to "conduct interdisciplinary research on issues centering on the Asia-Pacific region in the areas of history, politics, economy, industry, business management, society, culture and international relations, from both global and regional perspectives", while cultivating professionals with high expertise who can share their findings with the society, contributing to the overall development of human society. The Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies consists of a Master's Degree program and a doctorate program. Previously there were two majors, the International Business Administration (Waseda Business School) and International Relations, but the International Business Administration major was integrated into the Graduate School of Commerce and became a business major as of April 2007.

Admission to the graduate school is conducted by the Admissions Office according to its rules. Admission takes place twice a year, in April and September. The graduate schools employ a quarter system; both Japanese and English courses are provided, making it possible to earn necessary credits for the completion of the Master's Degree by only taking English courses. We welcome international students from all over the world not to mention from the Asia-Pacific region, and deliver a distinctly unique innovation with preemptive strategies to meet the requirements of globalization with both software and hardware, such as the use of leading-edge information communication technologies.

In addition, the Graduate School and the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies operate a "Supporting Partner System" which links the university with enterprises and other organizations. The purpose of the "Supporting Partner System" is not limited to soliciting support of our research and educational activities, but also to avail our partners with the fruits of the institute's research and know-how in the partnership, and enhance societal contribution through mutual development of the university and our supporting partners.

* 'glocal'is a compound word from 'global'and 'local'. Waseda University aims to develop global-minded citizens with a local-oriented spirit and activity.