From November 11 to 13, 2024, the annual seminar of EASTICA (East Asian Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives) was hosted by the National Archives of Japan. As part of the seminar, a campus tour was held at Waseda University on the afternoon of November 13, introducing international participants to the university’s archival and cultural facilities.
EASTICA is an international organization under the International Council on Archives (ICA), representing countries such as Japan, China, Korea, and Mongolia. The seminar, held annually in rotation among member institutions, serves as a platform for sharing the latest developments and research in archival practices. This year’s event welcomed approximately 70 participants from overseas—including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea, and Mongolia—and about 10 participants from Japan.
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Japan
The selection of Waseda University as a tour destination stemmed from a request by the National Archives of Japan in early September 2024. The program began with a 30-minute lecture introducing the university’s archives, by Professor WATANABE Yoshihiro of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Waseda University, Executive Director and former Director of the Historical Museum. In this lecture, participants gained insights into the distinctive features and significance of Waseda University’s archival collections.
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Japan
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Japan
And the professional visits to several facilities, including the Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum, the Aizu Yaichi Memorial Museum, the Haruki Murakami Library (International House of Literature), and the History Museum in Building No. 1, was held. The subsequent tours offered a hands-on opportunity to experience historical materials and culturally valuable exhibits. Visitors expressed high interest, raising numerous questions about the displays and operations of the facilities.
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Japan
The Cultural Promotion Division of Waseda University managed the tour’s logistics, ensuring a smooth experience for all participants. The program not only showcased the university’s strengths in archival activities and its cultural offerings but also provided an invaluable opportunity to strengthen international cooperation through the EASTICA seminar.
Photo courtesy of National Archives of Japan
