As globalization of our society continues to gain momentum, critical global issues such as the environment and energy, poverty, and regional conflicts continue to cast a shadow on human society’s future. In order to achieve real peace and happiness throughout the world, universities must become leading forces in rebuilding our system of values, spurring new and original advances in science and technology, and establishing new societal systems. Universities should, therefore, nurture human resources with specialized skills and leadership capability who will lead the next-generation’s society. To meet these demands of society and to firmly establish Waseda as Asia’s leading university, we have formulated and presented to society a new long-term strategic plan, the “Waseda Vision 150,” and have begun implementing the concrete activities included in the plan.

In “Waseda Vision 150,” we describe the ideal university we aspire to become by our 150th anniversary in 2032, and present 13 Core Strategies as well as specific Projects toward the realization of the vision. In the field of academic research, our goal is to become a world-class “International Research University.” One of our strengths as a university ‒ our integration of knowledge in diverse disciplines ‒ will be leveraged to pursue innovative and original research linked to solving society’s complex set of issues. Moreover, the fruits of our research will be transferred to society based on a systematic strategy. We envision, in 2032, the Waseda University that promotes “research that will contribute to real world peace and happiness in human society” and that leads the world in creating a better society and brighter future. We have already started the steps to turn this vision into reality.