Shigakusha is Waseda University’s largest circle for studying history. Hearing this, many people probably picture a very formal circle. It is true that studying history involves a lot of unfamiliar names of people and places flying back and forth. However, at the presentations held at Shigakusha three times a week, we have the freedom to choose our own themes. Any kind of presentation is acceptable as long as it is somehow connected to history. In the past, there were even people who did presentations on Disneyland and Doraemon. The presentations are divided up into two sections, Japanese history and World history, and each person talks for about 90 minutes. Everyone gets involved during the presentations, and there are a lot of questions and arguments flying to and fro. After a few years of serious study in this circle, the royal road is to take the History Proficiency Test, which takes place twice a year, and pass the first grade (which I happen to have). Every year, there is either a general meeting for the first semester or a farewell party before the day of the test, so the members of the circle tend to take the test in a state of exhaustion. This is nothing more than ascetic practice.

Another point worthy of mention is that this circle is an intercollegiate circle that collaborates with Japan Women’s University. Since we are officially recognized by Japan Women’s University, we have the privilege of entering their campus with heads held high. (Laughs)

The motto of Shigakusha is “a time to work and a time to play.” This is why we are able to put all of our strength into the presentations held every week, and publish a magazine called “Rekishikan” in order to heighten each individual’s motivation for the subject. We also put a lot of effort into watching the Waseda-Keio games, hosting training camps and general meetings, putting booths out at the Waseda Festival, and organizing alumni meetings, farewell parties, and graduation parties.

On days when we have no meetings, our club room, E-612, in the Student Union Building, becomes a hangout for our free periods. Our club room is extremely comfortable, equipped with the most up-to-date liquid crystal television and game equipment, used for research support, of course, as well as an air purifier.
I hope that those of you who have read until the end were able to wipe away the formal impression that the name “Shigakusha” sometimes gives. Doing your best in historical research as well as enjoying your university life by setting aside “a time to work and a time to play” is what Shigakusha is all about.