Waseda’s History － Always Advancing 

To a Waseda that shines on the global stage 

Japanese version is available here.

Waseda University celebrated the 140th anniversary of its founding on October 21, 2022. 2022 also marks 100 years since the death of the University’s founder, Shigenobu Okuma. From its founding in 1882 till this day, the University has been carving its history based on the three founding principles of its mission statement. 

In this video, we take a look back at the history of Waseda University, and look forward towards our 150th anniversary in 2032, and even beyond to 2050.  

As our Alma Mater goes;
“Her students change from year to year,
Meet and part with youth’s delight,
Yet all alike we seek to share
These ideals and their light.” 

Even though the times may change, the University will continue to advance with an enterprising spirit to realize a Waseda that shines on the global stage. 

Waseda University aims to be the university that provides the most valuable education in Asia, and faculty and staff are working in unison to achieve that goal.  

It is our hope that our students embrace diversity and learn from differences, values long treasured by the university, learn in their own way, and develop “intellectual resilience” and “flexible sensitivity.” And in the spirit our founder Okuma Shigenobu, it is our wish that they “contribute to the world not just for the sake of themselves, their family or country.”  

To achieve these goals, the support of each and every one of our alumni is essential. We sincerely ask for your continuous support.