Student Affairs SectionWaseda University

As you become a university student and expand your range of activities, you will meet and interact with a wide variety of people. In order to lead a fulfilling student life, it is important to be considerate of others on a daily basis, and at the same time, be responsible for your own words and actions. In addition, you should have prior knowledge of various troubles and avoid getting into unnecessary trouble.

If you have any problems, please refer to “Consultations for students” for a list of counseling services.

Harassment refers to bullying and teasing in a variety of situations. Harassment can be of various kinds, but it refers to comments or actions that make others feel uncomfortable, hurt their dignity, disadvantage them, or threaten them. It does not depend on the intentions of the individual. The following is a general definition of harassment.

Sexual harassment

Academic harassment

Power harassment

Alcohol harassment

SOGI (*) Harassment

Bystandar intervention is a series of action you can take to prevent your friend from becoming either a victim or a perpetrator. If you see harassment (or the signs of harassment) in front of you, you can intervene and stop it before it worsens.

The 3 D’s of Bystander Intervention

• Direct

Directly intervene the would-be perpetrator or would-be victim so that the situation is controlled.

• Distract

Distract the perpetrator or victim by spilling drinks, talking about something else, etc., to avoid a potentially problematic situation.

• Delegate

Seek help from someone else who can intervene appropriately, such as a faculty member, a store clerk, a police officer, or a reliable other.

Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

SRHR is among the fundamental human rights that pertain to everyone’s sexuality, sexual wellbeing, and way of living.

The guiding principles of SRHR are that everyone deserve to have correct knowledge and information about sexual and reproductive health, and that everyone can make their own choices about their sexuality and their own lives. In order to realize this, it is important for society as a whole to have a proper understanding of SRHR and to have a common understanding of the concept firmly established.

Key elements of SRHR

• The rights to privacy and self-determination regarding one’s own body.
• The right to live one’s own life that honors their SOGI and gender expression.
• The right to have safe and pleasurable sexual experience.
• The right to choose whether, when, and with whom to have a partner(s).
• The right to choose whether, when, and with whom to get married.
• The right to decide whether, when, and how many children to have.
• Lifelong access to the information, resources, services, and support necessary to obtain all of the above rights, free from discrimination, coercion, exploitation, and violence

Sexual Assault

In addition to rape and molestation, sexual assault includes sexual harassment on social media, dating violence, forced sex without contraceptives, and other unwanted sexual behaviors, regardless of whether or not there is physical contact.  Sexual assault is often thought to be perpetrated by men against women, but anyone can be either a victim or a perpetrator, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or other factors.

Sexual Consent

Sexual consent is an agreement to participate in any sexual activities. A mutual and active agreement is essential to engaging in sexual act.

Key elements of sexual consent

1.Consideration to power imbalance.

Holding a position of power, such as being a senior colleague, a supervisor, a faculty member, or a coach, might influence the situation. If you are in a position that gives you power over someone, you must give full consideration when it comes to sexual consent.

2.Ensuring that the environment allows one to say “no” (non-coerciveness).

Saying “yes” because saying “no” would put you in danger does not count as giving consent. One must be able to make their own choices about consent.

3.Consent to one act does not imply consent to other acts (non-continuity).

Giving kisses does not constitute consenting to another sexual activity. Also, prior involvement does not count as consent in this time. Consent is required for each and every act. It is also important to respect when one changes their mind.

4.Ensuring that one has enough information to make choices about consent.

Obtaining “consent” while being dishonest about STI status, by lying about using contraception, or when the other person is not fully conscious does not count. It is important that the other person understands the risks and exactly to what they are consenting.

5.The responsibility for obtaining consent lies with the party who initiates the action.

Rather than having a mindset that one should have said “no,” have a framework that you should have waited for an enthusiastic “yes.” Being attentive to the other person’s thoughts and opinions is very important.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Many STIs have no signs or symptoms and may have been transmitted to many people by the time one tests positive. To protect yourself and your partner(s), make sure to obtain correct information, and get tested when you have any concerns.

There have been incidents both on and off campus of athletes and performers being photographed and posted on the Internet with sexual intentions at sporting events and other club activities. If you are organizing an event or competition, please take measures such as patrolling the area and warning suspicious photographers by calling out to them.

(1) Illegal or disruptive behavior in taking photos or videos during an event or competition

In case of illegal or troublesome photographing or video shooting at qevents or competitions during extracurricular activities, the three representatives of your circle or representative should compile information and report it to the Student Affairs Section.

In addition, from the viewpoint of increasing the deterrent effect of inappropriate photographing behavior, it may be a good idea to warn spectators and participants in advance that they may be punished based on laws and regulations depending on the case.

(2) Consultation service regarding illegal and harmful information on the Internet

If the information posted on the Internet constitutes illegal or harmful information that infringes on your rights, you can take action such as requesting the site administrator or provider to remove the photos or videos. As shown in the following document (prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), there is a contact point for consultation regarding illegal or harmful information on the Internet.

The ” Partial Revision of the Civil Code”, which includes lowering the age of legal majority from 20 to 18, took effect on April 1, 2022.

The revision is intended to respect young people’s right to self-determination and encourage their active participation in society, but there are some points to be noted.

-What changed
You will be able to make various contracts by yourself without the consent of your guardian, such as renting a house, getting a credit card, signing a cell phone contract, or taking out a loan to buy a car.

-What NOT changed
The age restriction for drinking alcohol, smoking, and public gambling (horse racing, bicycle racing, auto racing, etc.) will remain unchanged at 20. The age at which one becomes obligated to join the National Pension Plan also remains unchanged at 20.

-What you need to be aware of
The “minor’s right of cancellation” (the right to cancel a contract when a minor has made a contract without the consent of a legal representative) will no longer be available for contracts, etc.

While you will be able to make contracts on your own, you will be responsible for keeping the contracts you make, and even if you are a student, if you are 18 years old, you may be a victim of consumerism. Even if you are just starting out on a part-time job, be sure to check the contents of the contract carefully.

Save anything you exchange when signing a contract (contract forms, pamphlets, emails, correspondence, etc.).

If you have a problem with a business after signing a contract for a product or service

Consult National Consumer Affairs Center of JAPAN (hotline: “188”). At the National Consumer Affairs Center of JAPAN, etc., a consumer affairs consultant with specialized knowledge will interview the person in trouble, sort out the problems from the contract and other documents, and provide advice and information on how to voluntarily negotiate with the business and how to specifically resolve the problem.

The trouble with Multilevel marketing schemes is spreading among students. One example is that a person is asked to buy a high-priced product such as a USB device by offering to make a profit related to investment. Most of the victims are solicited by their friends or club/circle members. In some cases, they get into debt through student loans, causing not only financial damage but also ruining friendships.

There have also been reports of victims of catch-sales (Unscrupulous sales practice involving expensive hard-to-break contracts) schemes in which people are solicited to “Please cooperate with a questionnaire” or “Would you like to be a model?” and then asking for a financial burden as a result.

Persuasion is a skillful technique. However, it is important to assess the content, have the courage to say NO, and be careful not to become a perpetrator yourself. When refusing, do so as quickly and clearly as possible.

There are cases where they threaten you that “Fees for the use of a pay site have not been paid. If you don’t transfer the money immediately, we will take you to court.” by email, phone, postcard, etc., and try to transfer money from you to them.

In some cases, they direct you to inappropriate sites on computer or mobile sites and charge you improper fees.

Once you have paid these fee, you may be subject to a new charge. If you do not remember the charge, DO NOT contact them or transfer the money to them.

According to information from the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, there has been an increase in problems with fake social media posing as credit card companies, banks, and courier companies etc.. Some methods include being directed to fake websites, having the information entered (IDs, passwords, etc.) stolen, or having fraudulent applications installed. If you are in doubt about a genuineness of an e-mail or social media, do not use the URL guided in it, but check the information on the official website.

Also, if you send images or information of your own student ID, driver’s license, or other forms of identification, trusting that “the other person showed it to me,” you may get into trouble. It is not always guaranteed that the other party’s identification is genuine. Never send identification information.

Some part-time jobs are not appropriate for university students to engage in. Also, there are exploitative part-time jobs that are called as “black part-time job”, such as those with harsh quotas, forced overtime work, and overcrowded shifts, and “gig work”, in which one-time work is undertaken without an employment contract with a company, has also caused problems related to employment.

If your employer is breaking the law, you can report it to the Labor Standards Inspection Office, which will take appropriate action. Please also refer to the “Manual for Dealing with black part-time job (BLACK-BAITO-MANUAL)” * published by the Student Affairs Section.
*Available at Waseda University Co-op. If you cannot find it in the store, you can order it.

If you are looking for a part-time job through a part-time job information website or other media, please be aware of the following seven points and be very careful (quoted from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare web site).

What you need to know before taking a part-time job

1. Check the working conditions before starting a part-time job.
2. In principle, part-time work is paid in full on a predetermined date each month.
3. Even part-time workers are entitled to overtime pay.
4. Part-time employees are entitled to paid vacations if they meet certain conditions.
5. Even part-time workers can use workers’ compensation insurance for injuries sustained on the job.
6. The company is not free to fire a part-time worker for its own convenience.
7. If you are in trouble, consult with the General Labor Consultation Corner.

Cult groups and political sects may solicit you to join by posing as a circle or by asking, “Would you like to join a study group to help you find a job or study abroad?” In some cases, they will ask for contact information, become acquainted, and then urge you to join. Recently, some solicitations have been made using social media.

Once you join a cult group or political sect, you may be mind-controlled by shrewd trick and unable to lead a normal life. If you feel suspicious, take action as soon as possible by firmly and clearly rejecting the group. Also, if you are asked to fill out a questionnaire or other form, do not easily hand over your personal information.

5 Checkpoints for Cult Protection

A lawyer who works on helping victims of religious and other problems points out 5 key points on “how to identify cult groups”.

1. they force you to make a quick decision

They press you to “make a decision here and now” because if you consult your family or friends, they will stop you there.

2. demanding that you keep quiet

Be careful if they demand that you keep quiet: “What I just said is the truth for you, so don’t even tell your family until you understand it,” or “It will be ruined if you tell your family.

3. small lies or illegal activities come in

Another characteristic of cults is that they force you to tell a lie, for example, when you participate in some event, “Please tell me that you are going to visit your friend. In some cases, they may instruct you to do something illegal, even if it is a small thing.

4. they are very kind and complimentary

They will praise you a lot, saying, “You are great,” even though there is no particular reason for it. Compliments increase self-esteem and create an atmosphere that makes it difficult to refuse, making it easier for the other party to enter your mind.

5. the activities are different from the initial explanation

This is the technique of creating trust first and revealing religious affiliation only after the fact. For example, there are cases where a person says, “This is a study group on SDGs,” but then the content of the Bible gradually comes out, or where a person follows you on social media with a favorable reply and then directly invites you to an event by DM.

To protect yourself from dangerous solicitations

The most effective measure is to avoid giving out personal information such as your address, telephone number, or e-mail address easily. In addition, protect yourself from dangerous solicitations by paying attention to the following points.

• Be sure to confirm the name, representative, and activities of the organization. If they are unclear, need care.
• If you feel that information is being manipulated, leave the organization.
• If you feel that something is not right, even if it is a small thing, promptly and firmly refuse.
• Do not try to solve the problem alone, but immediately consult with family, friends, specialists, universities, etc.ecialists, universities, etc.

Thefts have occurred in classrooms, libraries, learning commons, PC rooms, and Student Center while leaving luggage unattended or taking a nap. Universities, where anyone can freely come and go as they please, are open to the public, but they are also fraught with various dangers. Do not let your guard down just because your luggage is in the public eye. Always keep your valuables on your person and keep an eye on your belongings.

Revision of the “Tokyo Metropolitan Regulation on the Promotion of the Safe and Proper Use of Bicycles”

On April 1, 2020, the “Tokyo Metropolitan Regulation on the Promotion of the Safe and Proper Use of Bicycles” came into effect.

When using a bicycle in Tokyo, it will be mandatory to purchase bicycle liability insurance, etc. Please take note of this. For more details, please visit the following URL (website of the Office for Promotion of Citizen Safety, Tokyo Metropolitan Government).