Waseda University podcast spotlights sustainable business and local roots

Waseda University released the latest episode of its English-language podcast series on Nov. 4, 2026, with Professor Shinji Hasegawa examining how multinational companies can create value through sustainability and local embeddedness. The episode also points to Waseda’s TAISI program as an example of linking global challenges with local realities.

Why it matters: - The episode ties sustainability to business value, local trust and community collaboration, not just environmental goals. - Waseda is using the podcast to reach international audiences, including prospective students interested in studying Japan through English-based programs. - The conversation reinforces a broader message: solving local problems often requires coordination across business, government and communities.

What happened: - Waseda University released Episode 4 of Season 3 of its English-language podcast series, “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” on Nov. 4, 2026. - The episode is titled “Global Goals, Local Realities: Rethinking Sustainable Business.” - Professor Shinji Hasegawa of Waseda University’s School of Social Sciences discusses multinational enterprises, sustainability and local embeddedness. - The episode is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

The details: - Hasegawa says companies can create value by building trust and understanding local cultures and needs. - The episode uses cases in Kyoto and Osaki to show collaboration among businesses, governments and communities. - Hasegawa emphasizes connecting regions, sectors and people to address local challenges and create new opportunities. - The episode also highlights Waseda’s TAISI program, where students explore global challenges while staying connected to local realities. - Season 3 includes eight Waseda researchers and three student MCs who guide conversations in episodes lasting about 15 minutes. - The season covers Japan’s economy, labor and migration, business in Japan, Japanese culture and AI. - Waseda says the podcast is designed to make academic expertise accessible and to offer international listeners a fresh perspective on Japan and research at the university.

Between the lines: - The podcast format doubles as outreach and recruitment, especially for international students considering study or research in Japan. - Waseda is positioning research as practical and publicly relevant, not confined to the classroom. - The emphasis on local embeddedness suggests a business model where global strategy works best when adapted to place-based realities.

What's next: - Waseda plans to release Episode 5 on Nov. 25, 2026, featuring Professor Naoko Nemoto of Waseda Business School. - Episode 6 is scheduled for Dec. 16, 2026, with Associate Professor Maki Nakai of the Faculty of International Research and Education. - Episode 7 is scheduled for Jan. 6, 2027, with Professor Yoshio Hitomi of the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences. - The season will continue presenting Waseda research through short English-language conversations for global listeners.

The bottom line: - Waseda is using its podcast platform to connect research, sustainability and international education in one accessible package. - The message is clear: global business and global learning both depend on local understanding.