Waseda Law SchoolWaseda University

Shuichi Furuya

Since its establishment, Waseda Law School has upheld the mission of cultivating “legal professionals who take on challenges.” The legal professionals we aspire to nurture are those who remain keenly attuned to societal changes, respond swiftly to the complex and evolving needs of contemporary society, and boldly tackle pressing legal issues to pioneer a new era.

The essence of legal practice extends beyond the abstract interpretation and application of laws. Behind every legal case lies a human being—an individual whose rights, dignity, and future are at stake. Just as medicine seeks to heal physical ailments under the care of dedicated physicians, the law serves to prevent and resolve disputes and crimes that inevitably arise in human interactions. Lawyers, as guardians of justice and equity, are entrusted with addressing the social challenges of our time. Their role is not confined to legal technicalities; rather, they engage directly with people, striving to uphold justice in tangible, meaningful ways.

In this respect, legal knowledge alone is insufficient. A lawyer must also embody strong personal qualities, including empathy, integrity, and the ability to connect with others on a profound level. Consider, for instance, the kind of physician one would seek in the face of a serious illness. Would it be someone who simply excelled in the national medical examination, or rather, a doctor who has treated countless patients with genuine care and dedication? The answer is clear. While medical expertise is indispensable, it is a physician’s commitment to their patients that truly defines their competence and trustworthiness. The same holds true for the legal profession. A lawyer must not only master the law in theory but also understand the joys, struggles, and pains of those they serve. Cultivating such empathy and human insight is fundamental to the “legal professionals who take on challenges” that our institution seeks to develop.

Furthermore, the legal profession can be likened to architecture. Just as architects draft blueprints, procure materials, and construct buildings, lawyers design the legal frameworks that shape society. Whether in government, local administration, corporate settings, or public organizations, the establishment of new legal systems in response to societal change is driven by experts with legal acumen. Lawyers are not merely interpreters of existing laws; they are architects of the future—envisioning what society should become and crafting legal frameworks to bring that vision to life. The “legal professional who takes on challenges” is, therefore, not only an advocate for justice but also an agent of social transformation—keenly aware of shifting societal landscapes, adept at identifying emerging issues, and proactive in developing innovative legal solutions.

The landscape of legal education and the bar examination system in Japan is undergoing significant transformation. In 2020, a new Lawyer Course was introduced within the undergraduate curriculum, enabling students to complete an integrated five-year legal education (three years of undergraduate studies followed by two years in law school). Furthermore, since 2023, students have been permitted to take the bar examination while still enrolled in law school. Regardless of how these institutional frameworks evolve, however, Waseda Law School remains unwavering in its commitment to providing an education that extends beyond bar examination success. We are dedicated to nurturing each student with the utmost care and producing legal professionals who will take on challenges and contribute to Japan and the world. This steadfast mission is the foundation of our institution, and our faculty and staff stand united in their commitment to realizing this vision.