Waseda University has approximately 50,000 students, including graduate students, and approximately 5,000 faculty members and over 1,000 staff members who support student life. The university campus, which is a world apart in both size and function from high school, has a wide variety of jobs. Therefore, following the 2024 Focus, this year we will once again introduce the people who are irreplaceable when it comes to running the university, along with their "work partners." This time, we will introduce six great supporting characters, including the caretaker of the Okuma Auditorium, the behind-the-scenes supporter of on-demand classes, and the shuttle bus driver from Tokorozawa Campus. Let's take a look inside the minds of people involved with Waseda University!
INDEX
▼Behind-the-scenes professionals: An Okuma Auditorium Caretaker
▼Waseda Moodle Concierge: Supporting learning at Waseda
▼Merchandise sales and cafe management: Waseda brand manager
▼Polaris' core role: Supporting the active participation of staff with disabilities
▼19 shuttle buses connecting Tokorozawa Campus: Safe and secure drivers
▼Coexistence with nature: Professional staff working on the front lines of environmental conservation
Behind-the-scenes Professionals: An Okuma Auditorium Caretaker
Tatsuya Igarashi, Manager of Okuma Auditorium
At the side of the stage at the Okuma Auditorium on Waseda Campus
-Please tell us about your job duties.
When I arrive at work, the first thing I do is prepare for the day's event by starting up the building's air conditioning system and various AV systems, unlocking the areas we will be using, and turning on the lights. After that, once the person in charge of the event has arrived, I will help ensure the event is a success. During the event, I will be on standby, watching the progress through the live video screen and microphone audio in the management office, so that I can respond immediately to any problems that may arise. After the event is over, I will support the dismantling work and ensure that the space has been returned to its original state.
--What do you usually think about students as you work?
At the Okuma Auditorium, I come into contact with many students at student club welcome events, Waseda Festival, graduation events, and other events. I am inspired by the way people work together in different roles to create events, from those who stand on stage as performers to those who support from behind the scenes, and by seeing everyone working hard up close, I have also learned the importance of not forgetting my original intentions and putting all my effort into my work.
Adjusting the sound equipment in the wings of the Okuma Auditorium
--When do you feel a sense of accomplishment in your work?
The Okuma Auditorium is a symbolic building of Waseda University and a designated national important cultural property, and many important events are held there throughout the year, so the job of managing and protecting the building that serves as the stage for these events is very rewarding. When we are able to successfully hold wonderful events such as the annual Kyogen Evening and Waseda Festival, and receive words of appreciation from those involved, I feel very proud of this job.
--Please give us a message for the students.
Some rules may seem a little restrictive when it is used by student clubs and other groups, but please cooperate as it is necessary to protect the Okuma Auditorium, an important cultural property, and to safely hold your important events. And on the stage of Waseda University, give it your all and create wonderful memories with your irreplaceable friends!
"Work partner": A "binder" for carrying necessary documents
"I carry it with me when I have pre-meetings with event organizers, when I check the site, and on the day of the event. It's discolored from being used so much that I should probably replace it soon, but I've grown attached to it after using it so much, so it's hard to part with it," said Igarashi.
Waseda Moodle Concierge: Supporting learning at Waseda
Waseda University Academic Solutions Corporation (WAS), IT Promotion Department, Content Planning Team
Tamaki Chiba
At the studio preparation room on the first basement floor of Building 26, Waseda Campus
-Please tell us about your job duties.
I am a member of Waseda Academic Solutions, a group company of Waseda University, and I am involved in supporting on-demand classes. My duties include overseeing studio recordings, setting up and checking Waseda Moodle, and answering questions from teachers. I also plan and hold seminars to support teachers in creating videos to better deliver classes. I also analyze attendance data accumulated in Waseda Moodle and make suggestions to improve classes.
Moodle is a learning management system (LMS) that is widely used around the world, and Waseda Moodle is a customized version for Waseda University.
--What do you usually think about students as you work?
I rarely have the chance to meet you all in person. That's why I work while imagining each and every one of you studying earnestly on the other side of the screen. I believe that my work behind the scenes to prepare the learning environment is connected to your important learning, and I work every day with the desire to do my best to support your learning behind the scenes.
Chiba (right) watches over the video recording in the studio.
--When do you feel a sense of accomplishment in your work?
First of all, I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I hear enthusiastic consultations from teachers who are working hard to provide the best education to their students. Secondly, when I am able to use my knowledge and skills to respond to their concerns, such as "The students have asked me for this..." And best of all, when I hear teachers tell me later, "Thanks to you, the students responded very well!" and realize that my work has reached the students through them, I feel really glad that I am doing this job.
--Please give us a message for the students.
There are many wonderful teachers at university who will stimulate your intellectual curiosity. If you find a teacher interesting or want to hear more, please be brave and ask them a question. This step will enrich your university studies many times over, and I'm sure your teacher will be much happier with this communication than if you plead for credits.
"Work Partner": A "homemade lesson calendar" with a photo of my dog, which I use as my PC desktop image
"Not only does it prevent me from making mistakes when setting up my streaming schedule due to the university's complicated class schedule, but my dog also soothes me when I'm tired, so he helps me to both work more accurately and maintain peace of mind," says Chiba.
Merchandise sales and cafe management: Waseda brand manager
Uni.Shop & Café 125 Manager Koya Kajiwara
In front of Uni.Shop & Café 125 on Waseda Campus
-Please tell us about your job duties.
After arriving at work, I start my day by stopping by the store to meet the staff. After that, I work to replenish the stock at WASEDA-SHOP (online store) in the warehouse where products are managed. Once that's done, I move to desk work such as planning, manufacturing, and selling official goods, and in the afternoon I often work at the store again. I do everything from observing customers and trends in customer visits, responding to staff requests and inquiries, to covering areas where staff are weak.
--What do you usually think about students as you work?
In recent years, we live in a convenient society where we can communicate without meeting face-to-face, thanks to social media, but I think there are some feelings that can only be conveyed or obtained by talking to someone face-to-face. When you go out into the world, your friends from school days will be very important to you. I hope that you will continue to build such relationships while shopping and enjoying coffee at Uni.Shop & Café 125.
Product display at Uni.Shop 125
--When do you feel a sense of accomplishment in your work?
It makes me happy when I hear people who visit Uni.Shop & Café 125 say things like, "Waseda's goods are stylish!" and "This menu looks delicious!" In recent years, we have had many opportunities to set up pop-up shops at Waseda sports venues and sell official goods such as T-shirts and cheering goods, and we have seen an overwhelming increase in the number of people wearing Uni.Shop 125 goods at the venues. It makes me happy when I see such scenes.
--Please give us a message for the students.
Through the production and sale of official goods, we are responsible for branding Waseda University to further enhance its value. Uni.Shop & Café 125 is also very popular with alumni. We aim to be a kind of clubhouse where anyone connected to Waseda can drop in, not only while they are a student, but also after they graduate, so please continue to use our store!
"Work Partner": The "laptop" that I use 365 days a year
"Because all of my work is concentrated on this laptop, I can't let it go for even a second while I'm at work," says Kajiwara.
【店名】Uni.Shop & Café 125
【場所】早稲田キャンパス 大隈講堂脇
【TEL】Uni.Shop 125：03-5291-7491／Uni.Café 125：03‐3208‐7350
【営業時間】8:30～19:30
【休業日】土・日・祝日も営業（夏季／年末年始を除く）
【Webサイト】https://unishop-cafe125.com/uni-shop125/
Polaris' core role: Supporting the active participation of staff with disabilities
Waseda University Polaris Co., Ltd. Manager Asako Ban
Waseda Campus Building 27-10 (Waseda Sekiguchi Building), Waseda University Polaris Corporation office
Waseda University Polaris Co., Ltd.: Waseda University's first special subsidiary, established in 2007 to promote and stabilize employment of people with disabilities at the university. Currently, the company has 32 staff members with disabilities and 12 employees, and performs campus cleaning and document sorting, as well as sorting used batteries, recycling plastic bottles, document scanning, and various administrative support. Polaris is Latin for the North Star, which makes up the constellation Ursa Minor, and the company's name expresses the hope that each person will shine like a star, illuminating others, and coming together to form a beautiful constellation.-Please tell us about your job duties.
I am in the position of manager, coordinating the activities of all staff with disabilities and support staff. I arrive at work at around 7:15, check my schedule and emails, and write out the day's to-do list. At 8:00, we all do some warm-up exercises and then start work. In the morning, I patrol each site to check how the staff are working and if there are any problems with the environment. When I return to the office, I often prepare meeting materials, and in the afternoon I have meetings and interviews. I also respond to inquiries from students and external parties, and coordinate with universities and group companies.
--What do you usually think about students as you work?
In a word, it is the desire to "support" you. When we handle the applications for admission and scholarship applications that arrive at the document reception desk, when we sort important student ID cards by faculty, when we seal documents for on-campus events, when we clean the campus and Waseda University Student Center every day, on the days of the graduation ceremonies, entrance ceremonies, Waseda Festival, and on other average days, we think of you students and work hard, hoping that you will be in the best possible condition for each important day! When I think that the time spent studying at Waseda will shape my life and become a lifelong treasure, my desire to support you becomes even stronger.
Left: Cleaning Waseda Campus. Staff with disabilities and support staff work together as a team.
Photo on the right: Document sorting work at the Document Reception Desk in Building 1 on Waseda Campus. In addition to documents between campuses, called intramural mail, the desk also sorts and inspects general mail, including registered mail.
--When do you feel a sense of accomplishment in your work?
I feel rewarded when I notice small improvements in the staff and when I feel that they are contributing to the university. At the Polaris Student Exchange Open Lectures, which began in 2019, I heard from participating students that "I feel refreshed and energized from the staff's greetings and the way they work," and staff members were surprised at the administrative assistance provided by Polaris, saying, "They did such a good job!" and "We didn't have a single complaint!" I feel deep joy that our steady work has been received as something good for the university and students.
--Please give us a message for the students.
I believe that your student years are the time to form the foundations of your life, so I encourage you to invest in yourself. I want you to have many experiences, such as seeing the exciting world, beautiful places, delicious food, and being moved by people. Sometimes you may feel hurt and frustrated when things don't go as you expected, or lose confidence, but I'm sure those experiences will become your assets. I hope you will remember from time to time that the Polaris staff are always working with the desire to support you.
"Work Partner": Brooches of various genres and materials, including seasonal plants, fruits, and animals
"Every day when I go to work, I choose a small brooch from my collection and wear it. It makes me feel like, 'I'm going to do my best today!' My lucky brooch is 'Polaris' in the constellation Ursa Minor!" says Ban.
19 shuttle buses connecting Tokorozawa Campus: Safe and secure drivers
Tokorozawa Campus Shuttle Bus (School Bus) Driver Makoto Koinuma
At the garage of Seibu Sogo Kikaku Tokorozawa Center (Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture)
-Please tell us about your job duties.
There are a total of 19 shuttle buses that run between Kotesashi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Tokorozawa Campus, with 27 drivers working in shifts between the first bus arriving at work at 7:10 and the last bus leaving at 22:30. Before and after their shifts, drivers are called by the operations manager as required by law, and are asked to report on their health and alcohol status, as well as the results of vehicle inspections. While driving, the top priority is to prevent accidents. Drivers must predict dangers and drive safely, and the interior of the vehicle must be inspected before each trip.
--What do you usually think about students as you work?
I am grateful that I am able to work because of all the people who commute to work and school. I feel sorry that people have to wait a long time to board depending on the time of day, or that they feel uncomfortable when the bus is crowded. To make the bus as comfortable as possible, I adjust the temperature inside the bus, and try to drive and announce in a friendly and polite manner, and I operate with the awareness to provide a "safe and secure bus."
There are roughly 19 different shifts, from the first train to the last train, such as "morning to afternoon," "afternoon to night," and "morning to night."
--When do you feel a sense of accomplishment in your work?
Another of my jobs is to train new drivers as an instructor. After joining the company, they undergo basic training with an instructor, then are assigned to a sales office and begin route training with me on board. In order to further increase safety, they repeatedly learn "basic actions," such as various dangers along the route and how to deal with them, and when they finally become independent, I feel a sense of accomplishment as a teacher. I also feel especially happy when I continue to protect everyone's safety and achieve the accident prevention goal set by the sales office.
--Please give us a message for the students.
As buses are being replaced, the number of buses with seats featuring Waseda Bear designs is increasing. Did you know that some of the seats have Waseda Bears facing backwards? They are in different locations on each bus, so please look for them when you board the bus. Also, please make sure you have not left anything behind when you get off.
"Work Partner": A radio-controlled clock to keep track of time and a microphone to alert passengers
"Since buses operate according to designated times and destinations, radio-controlled clocks are essential. Buses are also the only type of road transport that allows standing passengers and does not require them to wear seat belts. Microphones are also essential to alert passengers and protect them," says Koinuma.
Coexistence with nature: Professional staff working on the front lines of environmental conservation
Takeyuki Mayahara, Specialist, Natural Environmental Research Laboratory Tokorozawa Campus
In the conservation area of B district Tokorozawa Campus
-Please tell us about your job duties.
When Tokorozawa Campus was opened in 1987, after discussions with the local community and nature conservation-related organizations, it was decided that Tokorozawa Campus would be operated in a way that would preserve the natural environment. In fact, the campus is divided into Area A, where the school buildings and grounds are located, and Area B, which is usually off-limits to the public and where the Satoyama natural environment of wetlands and woodlands is preserved. My duties include the conservation and management of the Satoyama environment and flora and fauna of Area B, research and studies, hosting related workshops, exhibitions both on and off campus, and attending related conferences. In addition, once a month, I assist in workshops on wetland conservation activities with local residents, led by student volunteers.
--What do you usually think about students as you work?
Students passing by the conservation area would sometimes stop to watch the behavior of wild birds and the plants growing in the wetlands swaying in the wind. Currently, efforts are being made to build a sustainable society that is in harmony with the natural environment so that people can continue their activities, but I think it would be good to start by being aware of and familiar with trees, birds, insects, and other things close to us on this campus. There are many different perspectives on everything, so I hope that students will be able to form their own opinions and ways of thinking while taking into account the background of things.
Recording the survey next to a rice paddy in the conservation area
--When do you feel a sense of accomplishment in your work?
The natural environment, which is closely related to human activities, is subject to change with the times and climate change, and its condition changes daily. Conservation management, research, and outreach activities are all connected, and the results of research are reflected in conservation management, and they also develop into activities such as exhibitions, tours, and workshops that deepen the interest of many people. It is the moments when I feel such connections in my daily activities that I find rewarding.
--Please give a message to all the students.
Nowadays, nature positivity (stopping biodiversity loss and getting it back on track) has become common in society, but the fact that our university has been conducting cutting-edge efforts on this campus for many years is actually something you can be proud of. This year marks the 22nd year of the student volunteer workshops, with a total of about 1,500 student staff members and about 5,000 participants. We also accept visitors, so please contact us and come to Tokorozawa Campus!
The exterior of Tokorozawa Campus Natural Environmental Research Laboratory (left) and the inside of the office (right). The stuffed animals on the shelves in the office are animals that live in the area. They serve as evidence, and are also used for exhibitions both on and off campus. (Click to enlarge)
"Work partner": "Donaga" which is essential when working in rice paddies
"We use them when working in ponds, rivers, and rice fields that are too deep to enter with boots. The rice fields in conservation areas are particularly marshy, with deep mud, so ‘donaga’ are essential," says Mayahara.
Please also refer to the article published in June 2024!
People working on Waseda campuses: The diverse faces supporting the university
Photography: Shiori Bansho, Kota Nunokawa
[Next Special Issue Preview] "Vintage Clothing Special" to be released on Thursday, October 2, 2025
![[Save version] Map of the four main campuses](https://www.waseda.jp/inst/weekly/assets/uploads/2024/04/787e946e46274690f8843bdb268192d2-610x458.jpg)
