Congratulations to all new students on your admission! Many Waseda students appear in "Waseda Weekly" every day. We've asked three students to represent the group and share messages with you.
"Our goal is to win the Hakone Ekiden."
Waseda University Athletic Club
Shinsaku Kudo, 4th year student School of Sport Sciences
"What I appreciate most about attending Waseda is the abundance of students with unique and outstanding personalities, providing ample opportunities to learn from others. My advice to all of you is to 'believe in yourselves.' No one else will take responsibility for your future. Forge a new world with your own hands. My goal for 2026 is to win the Hakone Ekiden. As the 'Mountain Detective,'(a reference to his resemblance to the famous Japanese anime/manga character Detective Conan, as well as his ability to climb mountains well) I will do my best to run a race without regrets. Looking beyond graduation, I will also continue to strive towards my goal of competing in the Olympics in the marathon event."
Waseda University Athletic Club training at Tokorozawa Campus Mikio Oda Memorial Track and Field Arena. In March 2026, Kudo ran his first full marathon and qualified for the Grand Championship (MGC), the preliminary round for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics (scheduled to be held in October 2027).
"Waseda University Athletic Club to Fight Hard on the Hakone Course in the New Year, Aiming to Reclaim the Championship" (Released December 2025)
"The greatest appeal of Waseda University is 'Waseda students'."
Waseda Weekly Student Staff
Nagisa Nishimura, 4th year student School of Culture, Media and Society
"I believe the greatest appeal of Waseda University is 'Waseda students.' But to be honest, when I first enrolled, I was overwhelmed by the drive and skills of the other Waseda students around me, and there were times when I felt like I couldn't become anything. Even so, as I interacted with people and talked to them, there were many moments when I was inspired and saved. There are many people here with different values and paces. There's no need to rush. At Waseda, there's a place where you can reach out whenever you feel like trying something, and friends who don't dismiss people no matter how far they go, and who find it interesting. I hope you'll take your time to savor this environment in your own way, without seeking the right answer!"
Nishimura also works as a campus tour guide at Waseda University. The maroon hoodie is for the guide staff, and she apparently bought the cap for herself.
"[Campus Store Maps] Packed with useful information to help you spend your lunch and break time comfortably! " (Published April 2025)
"A place overflowing with the essence of Waseda – that's Waseda-Sai."
Representative of the Waseda-Sai 2026 Organizing Staff
Takaaki Ono, 3rd year student, School of Political Science and Economics
"At Waseda, there are countless things you can be passionate about. And above all, there are friends who wholeheartedly support those who take on challenges with genuine effort. Meeting people who don't laugh at your challenges but instead encourage you is the number one reason why I'm glad I came to Waseda. Waseda-Sai is a place overflowing with the essence of Waseda, where countless such 'serious efforts' come together. This year, the organizing staff will work together to create a Waseda-Sai overflowing with the thoughts and passions of many people. Please look forward to it!"
Here's a photo with Waseda Sai-kun, the official mascot of Waseda-Sai. Apparently, his merchandise is so popular every year that it sells out quickly. Waseda-Sai 2026 is scheduled for November 7th (Sat) and 8th (Sun).
"Head to Waseda-Sai and Rikoten on November 1st and 2nd! Introducing noteworthy projects and behind-the-scenes looks at the staff" (Published October 2025)
Photography: Shiori Banjo
![[Save version] Map of the four main campuses](https://www.waseda.jp/inst/weekly/assets/uploads/2025/09/17cb2975123fc5103172ef60bd98608d-610x458.jpg)
