Waseda University

Waseda University (早稲田大学 Waseda Daigaku; or 早大 Sōdai for short) is widely regarded as one of the two most well-known private universities in Japan (the other is Keio University). As for baseball, it is one of the Tokyo 6 Universities Alliance. It is located on the northern side of Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward.

History

The school was founded by samurai scholar and Meiji-era politician Okuma Shigenobu in 1882, and was designated a full university in 1902. Much of the campus was destroyed in the firebombings of Tokyo during World War II, but the university was rebuilt and reopened by 1949.

Waseda's literature program is particularly famous, and counts Haruki Murakami and Tawara Machi among its graduates. The Waseda University Library is also possessed of a unique collection which survived the Bombing of Tokyo in World War II unlike many of its counterparts. This means that its collection is an important resource in the study of pre-war Japanese history and literature.

Joyu Fumihiro, a de-facto chief of religious group Aleph (formerly known as Aum Shinrikyo), also graduated from Waseda, where he studied Artificial Intelligence.

Waseda is also known as a training ground for Japanese politicians. Five postwar prime ministers are Waseda alumni: Ishibashi Tanzan (1956 - 1957), Takeshita Noboru (1987 - 1989), Kaifu Toshiki (1989 - 1991), Obuchi Keizo (1998-2000), and Mori Yoshiro (2000-2001). Among the last ten prime ministers, (1) three of them are Waseda alumni: (2) two are from Keio University: (3) one from Tokyo University: (4) none from Kyoto University. Socialist leader Suzuki Mosaburo was also a Waseda alumnus.

A September 11 victim named Toshiya Kuge (Wikipedia Memorial page), who was one of the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93, was a student at this university.

Waseda was recently involved in the development of the WL-16 "walking robot."

Surrounding Areas

Waseda University's main campus is aptly located in the Waseda district of Shinjuku, although Waseda is generally associated with the Yamanote train line station, Takadanobaba. One stop away from Waseda on the Tozai line is Kagurazaka. 60 years ago Kagurazaka was the Geisha center of Tokyo. Besides having fewer geisha, it is now home to French and classic Japanese restaurants.

Northwest of the university is Ikebukuro, the second busiest station in Tokyo. A place incongruously (for being so busy) devoid of much nightlife outside of massage parlors and hostess bars.

One stop away on the Yamanote line from Takadanobaba is Mejiro Station. A veritable oasis of calm and beauty amongst the bustling and comparatively dirty Takadanobaba and Ikebukuro stations. Mejiro station is adjacent to Gakushuin University.

Sports competitions

Baseball

Perhaps the most common manifestation of the rivalry between Waseda and Keio University is the baseball game held twice yearly. It is always held at Meiji-Jingu Stadium, and is considered one of the most important competitions by both student bodies.

Football (soccer)

Waseda University football team won the Emperor's Cup, in 1964 and 1967.

Rugby union

Waseda University Rugby Football Club currently is the reigning university rugby union champion in Japan, reaching the university championships 25 times, and winning nine times. Its rival for the last five championships has been Kanto Gakuin University.