News

On the morning of October 21, 2025, the 143rd anniversary of the founding of Tokyo Senmon Gakko (the former name of Waseda University) in 1882, a graveside service for founder Shigenobu Okuma was held at Gokokuji Temple in Tokyo. University President Aiji Tanaka, former President Katsuhiko Shirai, trustees, auditors, faculty and staff, and Kazuko Okuma, great-granddaughter of Okuma, paid their respects at the grave and pledged their efforts and determination to make Waseda University a “university that contributes to humankind throughout the world.”

From left, former President Katsuhiko Shirai, Ms. Kazuko Okuma, and President Aiji Tanaka in front of the grave of Shigenobu Okuma

After the graveside service, a wreath was laid at the Peace Memorial Monument, which was erected in 1990 behind Okuma Auditorium, in memory of the Waseda University students, alumni, faculty and staff who lost their lives in World War II. Members of the Waseda University War Dead Association and the Keio University War Dead Memorial Association also offered flowers and attended the ceremony.

Seven Years Until Our 150th Anniversary

With the anniversary of our founding this year, we are now seven years away from our 150th anniversary. On October 19th, we held an opening ceremony for our 150th Anniversary Project. All faculty and staff will continue to move forward steadily toward becoming “a university that contributes to humankind throughout the world.”

143rd Founding Anniversary