The Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS) held its Third Homecoming Day on January 24, 2026. The primary objective of this event was to promote networking among current WIAS members and former researchers (alumni). Building on the emphasis placed at the previous Homecoming Day on fostering two-way communication, the event was planned and organized with the introduction of new programs aimed at further encouraging interactive exchange. As a result, participants engaged in discussions from a variety of perspectives, ranging from the exchange of research themes and interdisciplinary collaboration to career development, thereby strengthening networks among attendees.

One of the new initiatives introduced this year was a group talk session planned based on a proposal by Associate Professor Tatsuhiko Shirai (Natural Sciences) and Assistant Professor Yun Jung Yang (Social Sciences), both serving as the Chief Secretaries. The session was designed as a program to encourage the formation of new connections, based on the concern that sessions conducted only in a plenary format may result in discussions limited to researchers who are already acquainted, making it difficult to interact with other participants.  In addition, following last year’s event, during the break time, coffee was served at the venue by Assistant Professor Yuya Ominato (Natural Sciences), with the support of Assistant Professor Emily Miyama (Humanities) and Assistant Professor Alexander Stokes (Natural Sciences), helping to create a relaxed environment for casual conversation.

The main session, which opened with greetings from the Chief Secretaries, took place on the second floor of Okuma Kaikan and began with flash talks by WIAS members and former researchers. Starting with Associate Professor Alexander Mallet, a former WIAS researcher, of the School of International Liberal Studies at Waseda University, three current WIAS members delivered five-minute presentations followed by a five-minute of Q&A sessions each. In addition, poster presentations by WIAS members were held throughout the venue, providing an opportunity to introduce their research visually. The lively discussions that crossed disciplinary boundaries helped energize the opening of the event.

In the career talk session led by WIAS alumni, Professor Toshinori Fujie (School of Life Science and Technology, Institute of Science Tokyo), Associate Professor Susumu Annaka (Faculty of Social Sciences, Waseda University), and Associate Professor Garry Kong (Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University) shared highly insightful perspectives based on their own research and experiences in career development. Following a coffee break, the flash talk session resumed with a presentation by Adjunct Researcher Áron Fittler, followed by brief research presentations by three WIAS members, as with the first half. These presentations can be said to have served as a major catalyst for the research exchanges that followed.

Participants were divided into groups of approximately six, comprising both current WIAS members and alumni, and engaged in group discussions while enjoying coffee and donuts. After lively discussions at each table, the session concluded with closing remarks by Associate Director Professor Katsuyuki Kubo (Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University).
In the evening, the venue was moved to the third floor of Okuma Kaikan, where a standing buffet-style reception was held. Beginning with a toast by former Director Professor Ken-ichi Akao (Faculty of Social Sciences, Waseda University), participants enjoyed food and drinks while deepening mutual interaction. Finally, Professor Toshihide Arimura (Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University), who has also served as Director of the Institute from 2020 to 2022, offered concluding remarks summarizing the event, bringing the entire program to a close.

The Homecoming Day proved to be a highly meaningful event that deepened interaction between WIAS members and former researchers. In particular, the group talk sessions newly introduced this year served not only as a forum for strengthening existing connections but also as an opportunity to foster new ones. As this event continues to be held regularly, it is expected to become increasingly refined as a venue unique to the Institute for Advanced Study, where researchers from diverse backgrounds come together. Finally, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the WIAS members, administrative staff, and all others involved who contributed to the organization of this event. Thanks to their support, the event was a great success. Thank you very much.

Text: SHIRAI Tatsuhiko (Associate Professor, WIAS) , YUNG Jun Yang (Assistant Professor, WIAS)
English proofreading: HUNG Tak Wai (Assistant Professor, WIAS)