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What's important is the "ability to notice" - Professor Akiba's thoughts on diversity

Director of the Student Diversity Center, Waseda University
Professor Takeshi Akiba, Faculty of International Research and Education

At the Gender and Sexuality Center main building in Toyama Campus Waseda University Student Center

Shigenobu Okuma's philosophy is deeply rooted on campus: Everyone has the right to learn, and there is something to learn from everyone.

--Please tell us why diversity is important at Waseda University.

First of all, as a university, it is important to provide each and every student with the necessary learning opportunities and environment. I believe this leads to creative education and research that utilizes diverse perspectives. Another factor is that Waseda University has many students who will become future leaders. Some will eventually become managers, entrepreneurs, teachers, civil servants, or politicians. Since they will be in positions that will have an impact on many people, I believe they need to become people who can quickly recognize the situations and characteristics of others and take action.

Even if you're not a leader, if you become a parent, for example, you have a big influence on your children. Also, in student life, if you're a student club leader, you have an influence on the other members, if you work part-time as a cram school teacher, you have an influence on the students, and if you work at a restaurant, you have an influence on the customers. When you think about this, it's very important to develop the ability to notice things.

--It's been eight years since SDC was founded. How do you feel the awareness on campus has changed?

I feel that diversity-related issues have become much more visible. For example, I'm sure that all students have heard or come across the topic of gender and sexuality at least once. There are related classes, and I think that events and awareness-raising activities, such as the parade held annually by Gender and Sexuality Center on all four campuses, have had a major impact. Also, in recent years, nearly all Faculty Professor have held training sessions on gender and sexuality and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, so I feel that awareness among Faculty has also increased.

We are currently in the stage of considering what we can put into practice. As part of this, student staff at Gender and Sexuality Center produced the "student club and Extracurricular activity Gender and Sexuality DE&I Guidebook" in March 2025. Waseda's initiatives like these have attracted the attention of universities across the country. Faculty and staff from other universities have come to observe the program, and SDC staff have even visited other universities to give lectures.

This guidebook was produced by Gender and Sexuality Center. It provides basic knowledge about gender and sexuality, as well as practical examples that can be used in running student club and Extracurricular activity.

--Waseda University is now in a position to lead the way in promoting diversity among universities across Japan. What do you think is the reason for this?

I believe this is because the philosophy of Shigenobu Okuma, our university's founder and first President, is deeply rooted in us. Okuma preached the belief that everyone has the right to learn, and that there is something to be learned from everyone. Even back then, he was proactive in accepting international students and promoting international exchange. He also advocated the importance of women's education, and worked hard to found Japan Women's College (now Japan Women's University).

I also want you to take note of the university's mascot, Waseda Bear (hereafter referred to as Waseda Bear). It's a familiar sight now, but it's carrying a walking stick. Okuma lost his right leg in a bomb attack in 1889 and used a prosthetic leg. The Waseda Bear, which Okuma was modeled after, seems to embodied the message, "Accept that disabilities are part of who you are, and don't judge others by their disability." This inherited DNA lives on on the Waseda campus, where diverse personalities coexist, regardless of nationality, gender, or whether or not they have a disability.

Diversity is about being kind to others and accepting each other

-What experiences have led you to promote diversity?

When I was a student studying abroad in the US, I felt isolated and close to giving up. I was the only Japanese person in the program, had a hard time finding a Faculty, and had few friends to hang out with privately. I thought about quitting and didn't apply for a renewed Scholarship, but a local professor noticed I was struggling and hired me as an assistant, inviting me to a Japan-US academic exchange event. He also provided me with various other forms of support, which created a place for me, and my life changed dramatically. Maybe people who are struggling can be helped if only those around them notice and take action. The feelings I had at that time are connected to me to this day.

--The ability to "notice" others is essential for building a truly diverse society that is comfortable for everyone.

I want Waseda students to be "people who notice." If someone seems a little uncomfortable or troubled, you can introduce them to resources like SDC. It's quite difficult to seek help on your own, so the key is whether or not those around you can notice. Waseda has around 10,000 graduates every year. If 10,000 people can have a positive impact on 100 people, that will change 1 million people. I think that would really change the world.

However, there are times when we don't have the time and we can't fully notice something. In those cases, it's up to those around us to notice that person's situation and make up for it. Diversity means being kind to people and accepting each other. I hope we can be willing to accept each other without forcing ourselves too much.

Interview and text: Yoshida Kei
Photography: Hirano Tori

Introduction to each center

We will introduce basic information about the four centers that make up SDC and how to use them. If you are even slightly interested, please feel free to come and visit us!

ICC (Intercultural Communication Center)

Waseda Campus Building No. 3, 1st floor. Entrance

What can you do?

We offer language exchange events where you can enjoy conversations in various languages, including English and Japanese, events where you can experience the cultures of Japan and around the world, and opportunities to make friends through interactions with the diverse students who gather in the lounge.If you want to speak English, make new friends, or are interested in intercultural exchange, be sure to take advantage of ICC by using the lounge or participating in events.

The ICC lounge, decorated to match the season and events.

Important points and precautions when using the service

The ICC Lounge is open to all Waseda students. Feel free to drop in if you're looking for a place to eat lunch, want to take a break, or want to chat with someone. Some ICC events do not require registration, while others require prior registration, so please check the website or Instagram for details and the latest information. If you don't want to miss any event information, we recommend subscribing to the ICC email newsletter.

Message to Waseda students

ICC is a place where people can interact beyond the barriers of nationality and language, with student staff taking the lead in planning and running approximately 200 events per year. The ICC Lounge is a friendly space where students from diverse backgrounds gather and conversations naturally occur.

Don't worry if you're not confident in your language skills! All you need is the desire to "experience different cultures" and "talk to a variety of people." ICC staff will provide full support so that even first-timers can participate with confidence, so please feel free to drop by our events and lounges. You're sure to encounter new worlds and values!

basic information

Location: Waseda Campus Building No. 3, 1st floor
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00-16:00 (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)
*Opening hours may change due to events, etc. For the latest information, please visit ICC Calendar Please check.
Website: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/icc/
Instagram: @iccwaseda

Visit ICC to Connect With the World and Expand Your Community Through Approx. 200 Events a Year

Accessibility Resource Center (ARC)

The ARC (Disability Section) counter on the first floor of Waseda Campus Building No.

What can you do?

Under the slogan "Supporting learning and moving forward together," we support students with disabilities and other difficulties in their learning by providing the necessary adjustments and resources to smoothly implement reasonable accommodations for their studies, and by working to spread understanding of disabilities, so that they can receive equal learning opportunities with other students.

Important points and precautions when using the service

If you require reasonable accommodations for your studies due to a disability or other reason, you must apply for them each semester. Please check the website for details of the application procedure.

Left: The entrance to the ARC (Disability Section) is located on the first floor of Building No. 3 Waseda Campus.
Photo on the right: A private consultation booth in the ARC (Department of Mental and Developmental Disabilities) on the first floor of Building No. 19 on Waseda Campus

Message to Waseda students

Accessibility Resource Center is also recruiting support students to provide class support to students with disabilities. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us. Students with disabilities, support students, faculty and staff can work together to promote accessibility at Waseda University!

basic information

Location: [Physical Disability Section] Waseda Campus Building No. 3, 1st Floor
[Mental and Developmental Disabilities Department] Building No. 19, 1st floor
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00
Website: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/dsso/

Considering reasonable accommodations at Waseda so that everyone has equal opportunities to learn

Center for Gender and Sexuality (Gender and Sexuality Center)

The main Waseda University Student Center of Gender and Sexuality Center, located on the first floor Building No. 30 on Toyama Campus.

What can you do?

Individual consultations allow users to speak to specialist staff about a variety of gender and sexuality-related issues, whether it be a one-time consultation or ongoing consultation, tailored to their needs.
I want to understand my sexuality better.
・I want to improve my skills as an ally of LGBTQ+ people (someone who understands and supports sexual minorities).
・Social gender norms are difficult
・I have worries about love
・There is no place where you can feel safe due to strained family relationships
- People in the LGBTQ+ community who are struggling with relationships
・I want to think about gender transition and coming out
・I want information about gender and sexuality
・I would like to know about campus systems such as the use of nicknames and room assignments for training camps.
・Want to talk about sexual violence, including past experiences
・I want to think about SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression)
・I want to gather information about harassment
I want to have a clear vision of my future.

A view of the main lounge in the Waseda University Student Center on the first floor Building No. 30 Toyama Campus. The bookshelves are lined with books on gender and sexuality! Waseda students can borrow them at any time.

Important points and precautions when using the service

You do not need to use your student name when using the community space, library, individual consultations, or participating in events. There are rules to ensure safety, including "You may only talk about what you want to talk about" and "Do not disclose who was there or what was discussed without their consent."

Message to Waseda students

If you have even the slightest interest in gender or sexuality, please feel free to come and visit us!

basic information

Location: [Main Building] Toyama Campus Waseda University Student Center (Building No. 30), 1st floor, Room 103
[Branch Library] Waseda Campus Building No. 10, 2nd floor, Room 213 *Closed as of November 2025.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday *Please check the website for opening hours.
Website: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/gscenter/about/facility/
Instagram: @gscenter.waseda
Instagram (library account): @gscenter.waseda_library
note: https://note.com/gscenter
Newsletter: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/gscenter/more/sns/

Making student club and extracurricular activities more comfortable! How can we respect diversity?

Student Counseling Center (SCC)

Waseda Campus Building No. 25-2, 6th floor counter

What can you do?

The Student Counseling Center on Waseda Campus has six private counseling booths.

Our motto is "Each individual, be yourself." Staffed by clinical psychologists, this is a consultation desk where you can ask about anything, including academics, career paths, interpersonal relationships, and mental and physical health. We also provide legal consultations with lawyers.

The website also contains information on how to make appointments for various types of counseling, as well as information on mental health on and off campus. Please check the Student Counseling Center website for the latest information.

 

Important points and precautions when using the service

The Student Counseling Center has branches on each campus and is available at any one of them. Counseling is available in person or over the phone. All consultations are free of charge and are available in Japanese, English, and Chinese. The external online consultation service "cotree" is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please make a reservation before using any of these consultation services.

Message to Waseda students

We also offer an "Art Therapy Group" aimed at healing the mind, and "WADS (WASEDA DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES SOCIAL GROUP)," where students with developmental disabilities can support each other. If you are in trouble, please do not suffer alone; feel free to use the Student Counseling Center.

basic information

Location: Varies by campus. Please check here.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:15-13:00 / 14:00-17:00
Website: https://www.waseda.jp/inst/scc/

Mori Counseling Room

☆Diversity Month is now underway!

Currently, SDC is designating October to December 2025 as Diversity Month, and is holding several events to encourage a fresh look at diversity. Click here for details.

[Next Special Issue Preview] "Waseda Ogiri Grand Prix" to be released on Monday, November 10th