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WASEDASAI: Turning connections into the power to live tomorrow

WASEDASAI 2025 Management Staff
Representative: Yoshida Uta, 3rd year, School of Education
Third Vice Representative: Kei Minewaki, 3rd year School of Commerce

--What kind of thoughts are behind the catchphrase for WASEDASAI 2025, "Connect for life"?

Yoshida: My biggest wish is to make WASEDASAI a place where people can gain the strength to live for tomorrow. Each Waseda student has their own background, and they discover the meaning of working hard in life, and they are involved in WASEDASAI, which is attended by approximately 200,000 people.

On the day, visitors will be able to sense the passion of Waseda students through the lively atmosphere, and by interacting with other visitors and sharing their passion and thoughts, we hope that they will learn about the background behind the efforts of others and use that to motivate themselves.

Minewaki: In an effort to express diverse connections, this year's logo is based on the concept of "Overlapping Shapes, New Me," and we designed the different shapes so that they do not completely overlap. We hope that as visitors connect with each other, they will discover new sides of themselves and use this as the motivation to take a new step forward.

The WASEDASAI 2025 poster (left) and the logo (right) that was completed after much trial and error in terms of shapes and colors.

-- WASEDASAI is known as one of the largest school festivals in Japan, but what kind of events do you have planned this year?

Yoshida: We have prepared around 450 projects, and I'm sure there will be something that will resonate with each and every person.

Minewaki: In addition to the large-scale projects, there will also be some unique initiatives this year, such as the "Fragrance Lab," where you can enjoy making your own original perfume, with the aim of helping people remember WASEDASAI through the scent of perfume, and the "Restraint Information Bureau #WhereDidTheWaseDailyFestivalGo?", where visitors can write their recommended projects on a map set up in the rest area and share project information, so I hope you will take the time to explore every corner of the campus!

If you're unsure how to get around, we recommend the "Mystery Solving Tour Project." By touring the campus while solving mysteries, you'll naturally encounter a variety of projects. The "WASEDASAI 2025" pamphlet also lists the standard route and courses by time, so you can enjoy the event at your own pace.

Yoshida: The event I most recommend is the "Ending Festival," which will be held on Sunday, November 2nd from 5:15pm and will mark the end of WASEDASAI. The performers will perform with all their might and it will be a performance filled with emotion, so I hope you will come and see it.

The theme song, "Connecting is the Future," was created with the hope that WASEDASAI will become a sash that connects people. The lyrics and music were written by the band "Pikupikutai," which belongs to the Modern Music Troop (an official student club). A live performance will also be held on Saturday, November 1st from 13:10 to 13:20 on the stage in front of Building No. 3 on Waseda Campus.

--Finally, please give us a message each.

Minewaki: I believe that WASEDASAI 2025 will take shape when each individual expresses their individuality, so I hope that everyone will enjoy it in their own way and burn with passion.

Yoshida: The campus on the day will be filled with the enthusiasm of Waseda that can only be experienced on-site, so I hope that anyone considering attending will experience that atmosphere for themselves. If you are coming, we will deliver WASEDASAI that you will not regret, so please do come. We look forward to seeing you on campus!

A behind-the-scenes look at the management staff!

WASEDASAI 2025 management staff number approximately 750 people, and are divided into eight departments: venue preparation, participation support, development, planning, PR production, public relations, general affairs, and finance. This time, Focus on the Planning Department, Public Relations Department, and General Affairs Department! We asked the heads of each department to introduce us to the activities that support WASEDASAI.

Organizational chart of the management staff

Planning Department

Director Ishida Aren, 3rd year School of Culture, Media and Society

The Planning Department is responsible for planning and running "plans that embody WASEDASAI." Our role is to give shape to the theme of "WASEDASAI 2025" with our own hands and accelerate the overall excitement. Our role is also to think deeply about WASEDASAI and Waseda culture and "leave it in a tangible form."

Currently, the Planning Bureau has approximately 90 people divided into four teams, and they have been working on six large-scale projects for over six months, with preparations underway. These include the "Countdown Event," which enlivens the campus from Monday through Thursday of the week of WASEDASAI; the "Eve Festival," which takes place at Okuma Auditorium the day before; the "Opening Festival," which heralds the start of the festival in style; "WASEDA PARADE 2025," which draws the entire Waseda district into a frenzy; the "Mid-Term Rally," which reignites WASEDASAI on the morning of the second day; and the "Ending Festival," which concludes the two-day event. Each of these projects will become a symbol of WASEDASAI.

Six events run by the Planning Department (Scenes from WASEDASAI 2024). One of the highlights is WASEDA PARADE, which has the theme of "Jewels" this year, and is planned to feature a performance that evokes the image of connections turning into power, and rough stones eventually shining like jewels.

We at the Planning Department are committed to not only the stage configuration, performing groups and performers, and lighting, but also to every detail, including safety and security, to deliver a moment that will make everyone's hearts beat faster!

Public Relations Department

Director Sara Mitsui, 3rd year School of Education

Under the catchphrase "Connecting with people, connecting with the festival," the Public Relations Bureau approaches people outside the university to request the sponsorship and support necessary for WASEDASAI, and works to gain their understanding and cooperation with WASEDASAI.

The department  has a department with approximately 70 members that specializes in approaching Alumnus, companies, and people in the surrounding area of the university. Although not all of their activities are visible on the day of WASEDASAI, WASEDASAI would not be possible without the efforts of the Public Relations department.

Left: As part of our community contribution activities, we are involved in local litter picking activities throughout the year.
Photo on the right: On the day of WASEDASAI, noise and congestion will cause inconvenience to people in the area surrounding the university, so materials are prepared and posted to each house in advance.

People tend to think of school festivals as something only for students, but that's not the case at all. Working in the Public Relations Department, I have the opportunity to receive warm cheers from many people, from local children to elderly people, and I realize every day that "WASEDASAI is supported by so many people." We in the Public Relations Department will do our utmost to meet the expectations of those outside the university and to support the goals of everyone involved in WASEDASAI in terms of income and trust. Please come and join us on the day of WASEDASAI!

Photo on the left: A workshop for local children held at Okuma Garden during the "WASEDASAI 2024"
Photo on the right: Throughout the year, they visit Tomonkai across the Kanto region to promote WASEDASAI.

General Affairs Department

Director Daichi Hiwatashi, 3rd year student School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Under the catchphrase "A place to think of the backs of happi coats," the General Affairs Department supports the daily activities from within, by being close to the "backs of happi coats," that is, the thoughts of each and every member of the management staff. They work throughout the year to ensure that the management staff shines on the day of WASEDASAI, and the appeal of the General Affairs Bureau is that you can feel a sense of accomplishment from supporting the entire management staff and WASEDASAI.

The organization is divided into three teams based on the perspectives of people, materials, and information. The human resources management team creates shifts for all 750+ staff members, and also plans and manages recreational activities and training camps for the entire staff to strengthen their sense of unity. The material resources management team manages the equipment owned by the staff, as well as the club rooms and warehouses they rent, and also handles the lending and returning of various equipment. The information resources management team is responsible for disseminating information to all staff members and managing the walkie-talkies that are used as a means of communication on the day of WASEDASAI.

Left: Rearranging equipment after the "WASEDASAI 2024"
Photo on the right: Preparations for this year. The General Affairs Bureau holds a meeting once a week.

WASEDASAI is held for only two days a year. For those two days, the entire campus is decorated in WASEDASAI style, creating a special atmosphere. Please come and join us at WASEDASAI, which is created together with participating organizations, participants, and visitors, by the management staff dressed in crimson happi coats!

Overview of "WASEDASAI 2025"

If you have any questions on the day, our happi-wearing staff will be happy to help you!

Date and time: November 1st (Sat) and 2nd (Sun) 2025 10:00-17:00
Location: Waseda University, Waseda Campus, Toyama Campus

◆Official website: https://wasedasai.net/
◆Official X: @wasedasai
◆Official Instagram: @wasedasai
◆Official YouTube: Wasedasaiofficial
◆Official TikTok: @wasedasai
◆Official mascot character "Waseda Sai-kun" Official X: @wasedasai_kun

Leading up to WASEDASAI, countdown events and eve parties will be held on the following dates.

[Countdown Event]
Monday, October 27th, 12:25-13:00 (Toyama Campus Toyama Hill)
Tuesday, October 28th, 12:25-13:00 (in front of Building No. 3 Waseda Campus)
Wednesday, October 29th, 12:25-13:00 (in front of Okuma Memorial Hall on Waseda Campus)
Thursday, October 30th, 12:10-13:00 (in front of Okuma Memorial Hall on Waseda Campus)

[Pre-party]
Friday, October 31st, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Waseda Campus)

Interview and text: Kaori Sasuga
Photo: Shiori Banjyo

Curiosity never stops! Visit Rikoten to  explore knowledge

Waseda University's campus festival isn't just WASEDASAI. Rikoten held on Saturday, November 1st and Sunday, November 2nd at Nishi-Waseda Campus, attracts approximately 20,000 visitors every year! We asked the representative of the Rikoten Liaison Committee about this year's highlights.

(From left) Vice-president Nishizawa and representative Negishi. They pose for a photo at Rikoten Exhibition. Negishi handles communication with outside the university, while Nishizawa manages each project.

Representative of Rikoten Liaison Committee: Shusuke Negishi, 3rd year student at School of Advanced Science and Engineering

The 72nd Rikoten is a festival filled with events that allow visitors to experience the excitement and depth of science and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Through cutting-edge technology and a variety of events, we aim to create a "School Festival of the Future" that will inspire visitors to discover their dreams and hopes for the future.

The theme for 2025 is "GEAR." This theme was inspired by the gears that support innovation and connect the present with the future. We hope that the individual projects and personalities of each participant will mesh together like gears, generating great power to move us forward into the future.

The poster (left) and logo (right) for the 72nd Rikoten. The logo was created based on the shape of a gear and the initial letter "G," with a flame design added to symbolize the high level of passion shown by the people involved in Rikoten.

One of the most recommended events is a lecture by Gento Kono, a doctor, lawyer, and certified public accountant who is also active as a YouTuber and entrepreneur.You can hear about Kono's life so far and his thoughts on studying.

Kono's lecture will be held on Sunday, November 2nd from 11:30 to 12:30 in rooms 201 and 202 Building No. 63. Participants may be entered into a raffle to win a prize!

Please note that for some events, you will need to obtain a numbered ticket through Rikoten dedicated app, "Aprico," so we recommend downloading it in advance. You can check the latest information on Instagram, X, and the official website. Come experience the excitement of science at the venue! We look forward to seeing you there.

The "Aprico" screen. Created by members of Rikoten, the app also offers discount coupons and other benefits.

Overview of “72nd Rikoten”

Date and time: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10:00-17:00, Sunday, November 2, 2025, 10:00-16:00
Location: Waseda University Nishi-Waseda Campus

On the day, members of the Rikoten Liaison Committee will be wearing happi coats!

◆Official website: https://rikoten.com/
◆Official X: @rikoten_waseda
◆Official Instagram: @waseda_rikoten
◆Official YouTube: Official account of the Waseda University Rikoten
◆Official mascot character "Yaguchi-kun" Official X: @yaguchi_rikoten
◆Official Virtual Android "Yaguchi Tsumugi" Official X: @waseda_tsumugi
◆Official VTuber "Yaguchi Kaede" Official YouTube: @yaguchi_waseda
◆Download the official app "Aprico": https://www.rikoten.com/apps

[Next Focus Preview] "Diversity Special" to be released on Monday, November 3rd