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On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the “150th Anniversary Project Opening Ceremony” was held as part of the “60th Homecoming Day Ceremony.” Various stakeholders from both inside and outside the University took to the stage, and the concept for the anniversary project was shared with the alumni.

This article provides a report of the event.

*The remarks made by each speaker are excerpts or summaries.

The Vision Shared By Our Graduates: “A University that Contributes to Humankind Throughout the World”

Waseda University will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2032. Looking ahead to the future, the 150th Anniversary Project is a reform aimed at evolving into a university that contributes to humankind throughout the world, as part of the vision for what Waseda should be by the year 2050. The opening ceremony for the anniversaryproject was held, and many alumni attended the event at Waseda Arena on Toyama Campus.

The ceremony began with a screening of a special video produced for the occasion, sharing with attendees the University’s spirit, which has been passed down since its founding. Afterwards, approximately 120 members from seven musical groups representing Waseda University performed the University’s first cheer song, “Konpeki no Sora.” NHK announcer Kozo Takase (a 1999 graduate of the School of Commerce) served as master of ceremonies, and gave opening remarks, introducing the speakers.

Mr. Kozo Takase

Afterwards, Akira Mandai, Executive Chairman of the Waseda University Alumni Association, gave a speech, delivering a message to the 690,000 alumni who have graduated from Waseda University.

Akira Mandai, Executive Chairman of the Waseda University Alumni Association

“Waseda University will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2032. If we can unite the strength of our 690,000 alumni, we will be able to provide even stronger support to the next generations. In order to support our alma mater and make Waseda a place that shines on the world stage, we ask for your continued support and cooperation for the Alumni Association.” (Executive Chairman Mandai)

Moving Forward with Support, the 150th Anniversary Project

Next, President Aiji Tanaka gave a speech.

“The concept of our 150th Anniversary Project is ‘Change Today, Shape Tomorrow.’ Returning to the philosophy of our founder, Shigenobu Okuma, who advised ‘Do not think only of your own interest, your family’s interest, or the interests of your country alone, but be ambitious to contribute to humankind throughout the world,’ we aim to evolve into what Waseda University should be in the future by the year 2050, ‘a university that contributes to humankind throughout the world.’ The three pillars of our anniversary project are research, education, and contribution. Our core bases, the Global Research Center, Global Education Center, and Global Citizenship Center, will work closely together to advance a variety of initiatives. I ask for your understanding and cooperation in the changes and efforts we make towards 2050.” (President Tanaka)

The 150th Anniversary Project Promotion Committee is chaired by Seiji Nakata (1983 graduate of the School of Political Science and Economics), Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Daiwa Securities Co. Ltd.. In his opening remarks, Nakata shared the challenges facing the world and explained the significance of the anniversary project.

Seiji Nakata, Chairperson of the 150th Anniversary Project Promotion Committee

“The international community is currently facing division, geopolitical tensions, and climate change. Japan is also facing a mountain of social issues, including a declining birthrate and aging population, and regional disparities. In these turbulent times, the role of universities has never been more important. We must solve these issues by improving the quality of research and education, generating new innovations, and implementing them in society. Your support is essential for our 150th anniversary celebrations, which will help us realize a better future. We hope for the understanding and support of as many alumni as possible.” (Chairperson Nakata)

Next, Waseda University Senior Executive Vice President for University Advancement Miho Saito spoke about her desire to continue promoting rising to the challenge for the future.

Miho Saito, Senior Executive Vice President for University Advancement

“Waseda’s strength lies in the succession of challenges taken on that propel us forward in difficult times. This begins with the support of each and every one of you. A single donation can open up the future of one student, bring one research project closer to solving a social issue, and transform one campus into a stage that connects to the world. Please join us today from this venue. I sincerely hope that this 150th anniversary bell will not ring somewhere far away, but will ring close to you, and that it will be your bell, a bell that you may be able to ring yourself.” (Senior Executive Vice President Saito)

Waseda Alum and Dragon Quest Creator Yuji Horii Shares the Secret to His Success

As a special feature of the ceremony, game designer Yuji Horii (graduated from the School of Letters, Arts and Sciences I in 1978) and Kozo Takase had a conversation about the achievements of Horii, the creator of the popular RPG series “Dragon Quest.”
*The details of the interview will be posted at a later date.

After the talk session, the speakers and attendees sang the school song together while raising their right hands to the beat as the cheerleading squad performed. Finally, President Tanaka called out in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the University’s founding, “Alumni! Is Waseda the university that alumni support the most?” The entire audience responded with a “Yes!”, and the ceremony came to a close amid thunderous applause and a passionate atmosphere.

Ceremony Album