Message from the President of Waseda University

Waseda University will mark its 125th anniversary this year on October 21st. The number 125 is of special significance for Waseda, for our founder, Shigenobu Okuma, believed that the ideal length of a human life should be 125 years, if mind, body, and spirit were kept in proper balance. Therefore, the celebrations of Waseda University's 125th anniversary mark the commencement of a new lifetime for Waseda. We celebrate our three founding principles: Independence of Learning, Utilization of Knowledge, and Fostering of Good Citizenship. They will provide a strong basis for our future.

In this special year, we are planning to hold the Conference of World University Leaders on October 20, 2007. The conference will be attended by numerous presidents of world-class institutions and leaders of higher learning from both Japan and overseas, to commemorate 125 years of academic tradition at Waseda University as well as to discuss the theme, New Initiatives in Higher Learning in the Age of Globalization.

Profound innovation is now occurring in higher learning throughout the world in order to meet the needs of the international community. Our central mission is no longer limited to the development of research and education, but to nurture individuals who can make effective and constructive contributions to world communities. It is also vital that the university community collaborate closely with industry and government to tackle world issues.

I look forward to active discussions with exchange of information and ideas among participants in the conference, and the presentation of initiatives that our participants are taking at their own institutions.