Message from the Dean
Welcome to the Waseda University School of Law
So many situations in our society lack simple answers. In some cases, the interests of individuals conflict with each other; in others, both parties provide convincing arguments, making it difficult to determine who is absolutely right. When we consider such issues, what should we rely on? How can we find the best possible solution?
The study of law is the discipline that addresses these issues. The law supports our everyday lives as a system of rules that governs our society. However, its role is not limited to regulating people’s behavior—the law is also instrumental in fostering a society where people live together in harmony while respecting different values and diverse lifestyles. Further, there is more to learning the law than just acquiring legal knowledge. It also involves grasping the history, culture, and social structure upon which the law is founded, as well as continuing to question what fairness and freedom mean and how to build a better society, while taking a wide range of perspectives into account.
In this regard, you are not simply expected to memorize a single definitive answer, but rather to assess the facts carefully, keep an open mind to different views and ideas, organize your thoughts logically, and enhance and refine them through discussion with others. I believe that the great significance of studying the law lies in developing logical thinking skills, good judgment, and empathy for others in this process.
Today, our society is evolving at an unprecedented rate. The challenges we face, such as technological innovations including AI, the rapid pace of globalization, environmental concerns, and changes in international situations, are increasing in complexity. And as we navigate this era, the role of the law has grown more important than ever. At the same time, the law itself should be re-examined to respond to societal changes and adapt to address new challenges. Another vital mission of the study of law is to ensure that you recognize the significance of these changes, rather than being swayed by them, and acquire the ability to envision the realities and ideals of society.
The Waseda University School of Law has valued well-rounded human education through legal education since its predecessor, the Tokyo Senmon Gakko, was founded in 1882. Our enduring commitment to such education is reflected in the numerous graduates we have produced who have gone on to make important contributions to society in a wide range of fields, including research, law, civil service, business, international organizations, and journalism, to name a few. Our aim is not merely to equip students with legal knowledge, but to develop and nurture them to gain a profound understanding of society through legal education and earn the respect of others.
To achieve this goal, the School of Law places particular emphasis on enhanced introductory education for students who study the law for the first time. The School seeks to develop individuals who have both specialist expertise and a broader perspective through small-group seminars, a wide selection of specialized law subjects, and comprehensive language and liberal arts education. We have consistently embraced our educational philosophy that combines specialized legal education with language and liberal arts education as the two pillars of our education, and this tradition will never change. While upholding our tradition, we also remain committed to proactively taking on new challenges of our time, including AI, data science, environmental concerns, and global issues, to further improve legal education that will support future society.
Waseda University has a long-standing tradition of bringing people from diverse backgrounds together, promoting free and open discussion, and creating a learning environment where they accept and respect each other. This free and open academic culture has enabled students not only to acquire knowledge, but also to formulate their own questions and foster independent thinking. Students have opportunities to encounter views and ideas that differ from their own and to achieve personal growth and development, not only in the classroom but also during seminars or extracurricular activities, or even in casual everyday conversations with their peers. The study of law is the discipline that equips you to understand people and society. That is why learning with people from diverse backgrounds is, in itself, an integral part of legal education.
The four years you spend at university are not just a period of time for gaining specialist knowledge; they also serve as an invaluable period for learning about people and society and developing your own thoughts and values. Therefore, the School of Law, Waseda University offers an excellent learning environment that is built on its history, tradition, and free and open academic culture and supports your pursuit of intellectual curiosity.
I trust that, during your years at the School of Law, you will meet many people, engage in shared learning and thinking, and intellectually stimulate and inspire each other to fulfill your potential. I look forward to the day when we can learn together as members of our society helping to shape its future.
Hiroyuki Oba, Dean of the Waseda University Faculty of Law and School of Law
Related Links
Student Exchange Program to Waseda
＊School of Law offers its program in Japanese
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