Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact

The seventh episode of season two features Professor Alex Coad (Faculty of Commerce), whose new study compares the motivations, cultures, and performance of entrepreneurs emerging from universities versus those from the corporate world. In conversation with host & PhD student Fabian Johannes (Graduate School of Economics), Professor Coad challenges the assumption that cutting-edge academic research naturally leads to high-performing startups, highlighting the cultural hurdles and identity shifts university-based founders often face. The episode also explores global entrepreneurial ecosystems, Japan’s evolving startup landscape, and how the Waseda Business School and Professor Coad’s seminar classes equip aspiring innovators with both theory and practical tools—offering listeners a compelling look into what it takes to turn ideas into real-world impact.This episode is based on the following research: Coad, A. “The company I keep is not corporate enough”: exploring the specificities of University startups. J Technol Transf (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-025-10228-4About the GuestProfessor Alex Coad is a highly-cited scholar in the areas of firm growth, entrepreneurship and innovation, and has published over 80 articles in leading international peer-reviewed journals. Prof. Coad is an editor at the journals ‘Research Policy’ (Financial Times Top 50 list of journals for Business Schools) and ‘Small Business Economics.’ Previously he obtained a joint PhD from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne and the Sant’Anna School, Pisa, Italy. In December 2016, Prof. Coad received the 2016 Nelson Prize at University of California Berkeley.Link to the transcript:  https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/86797

In this episode of “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” Graduate School of Political Science PhD student Peter sits down with Associate Professor Pau Pitarch from the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences to explore how early 20th-century authors and artists in Japan reimagined their identities. Prof. Pitarch unpacks why writers in the 1920s proudly identified with mental “abnormality” as a mark of creative genius, and how global currents in psychology, art, and modernity shaped this unique cultural moment. The conversation also delves into Professor Pitarch’s personal journey into Japanese literature, the value of studying culture within Japan using a global lens, and what makes Waseda’s English-based degree programs in the Faculty of Letters, Arts and Sciences—JCulP and Global-J—such vibrant spaces for international learning and discovery.This episode is based on the following research: Pitarch-Fernandez, P. (2021, June 23). Abnormal genealogies: Diagnosing the writer in 1920s Japan. Modernism/Modernity Forum. https://doi.org/10.26597/mod.0205About the GuestAssociate Professor Pau Pitarch’s specialization is modern Japanese literature and media. He is interested in exploring how issues of aesthetics, psychology, ideology, and economics interacted in the formation of the modern literary field. He has published on authors like Akutagawa Ryūnosuke, Chŏng Yŏn-gyu, Okamoto Kanoko, Ōtsuka Kusuoko, Satō Haruo, and Tanizaki Jun’ichirō, among others. His wider interests include narratology, translation, and the development of global genres such as mystery, fantasy, horror, and science fiction. Pitarch received his B.A. in Comparative Literature from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, M.A. in Japanese Literature from the University of Tokyo, and Ph.D. in Japanese Literature from Columbia University. He previously taught at CUNY Queens College (2015-2017).Link to the transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/86633

The fifth episode of season two, hosted once again by Graduate School of Economics PhD student Fabian, welcomes Associate Professor Megumi Kagawa from Waseda’s Faculty of Social Sciences, whose research focuses on community-driven approaches to sustainable peace. Drawing on her extensive experience in the Bangsamoro peace process in the Southern Philippines, Professor Kagawa discusses the concept of hybrid peacebuilding, the challenges of translating national peace agreements into local realities, and Japan’s evolving role in fostering peace and social innovation in Asia. The conversation also explores Waseda’s Transnational and Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Innovation (TAISI) program, an English-based degree program where students from around the world engage in hands-on learning, dialogue, and fieldwork that bridge theory and practice in conflict resolution.This episode is based on the following research: Kagawa, M. (2022). Uneven Peace Infiltration: Two Case Studies of Rebel-Led Community Peace Initiatives in the Bangsamoro. In: Allen, S.H., Hancock, L.E., Mitchell, C., Mouly, C. (eds) Confronting Peace. Rethinking Political Violence. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. About the GuestMegumi Kagawa is an associate professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences at Waseda University. Her research fields include international relations and conflict analysis & resolution, with a particular interest in peacebulding. She is a member of The Japan Association of International Relations, The American Political Science Association, Conflict Research Society, and the International Studies Association. Link to transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/86390

Episode 4 features an engaging conversation with Associate Professor Jack Seddon from the Faculty of Political Science and Economics. Hosted by Fabian, a PhD student at Waseda’s Graduate School of Economics, this episode uncovers “the hidden architecture of the global economy.” Prof. Seddonshares insights from his research on the London Metal Exchange, revealing how global markets are shaped not only by economic forces but also by deep political struggles and institutional design. The discussion also delves into Prof.Seddon’s personal journey from capital markets lawyer to academic researcher, his experience working in Japan, and what makes the Faculty of Political Science and Economics’ English-based degree programs a unique place to studyinternational political economy.This episode is based on the following research: Jack Seddon (2020) Merchants against the bankers: the financialization of a commodity market, Review of International Political Economy, 27:3, 525-555.About the GuestAssociate Professor Jack Seddon joined Waseda in 2019, where he works at the intersection between international political economy and economic history, employing theories of institutionalism and mixed research methods. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Oxford and has held visiting positions at the University of Pennsylvania, the Graduate Institute in Geneva, the European University Institute, and Georgetown University. Prof. Seddon is part of the Sterling Area Revisited Project, funded by the United Kingdom Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). He was also awarded a Lloyd’s of London UK-US Fulbright Scholarship in 2019-2020 to examine issues in global risk markets. Before beginning his graduate studies, he worked as a capital markets lawyer in London and Brussels.Link to the transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/86307

In the third episode of season two of Waseda University’s podcast series Rigorous Research, Real Impact, our PhD student host Peter interviews Professor Alexander Bukh about his award-winning research on territorial disputes in Northeast Asia. Professor Bukh explains how these disputes—like those over Dokdo/Takeshima and the Northern Territories—are not just political or historical conflicts but are socially constructed through national identity narratives shaped by non-state actors. He also shares insights into his own academic journey, the unique research environment at Waseda, and how his seminars at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies encourage students to critically engage with issues of nationalism and international relations in the region.This episode is based on the following book: Bukh, A. (2020). These islands are ours : the social construction of territorial disputes in Northeast Asia. Stanford University Press.About the Guest: Professor Alexander Bukh teaches in the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies. He has a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics (LSE) and has previously taught at LSE, Tsukuba University, and the Victoria University of Wellington. Professor Bukh specializes in international relations, international relations of Northeast Asia, and Japan-Korea and Japan-Russia relations. He is a member of the International Studies Association (ISA), the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), and the Association for Borderland Studies. Link to the transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/86122

This latest episode features Assoc. Prof. Bryan Hikari Hartzheim (Faculty of International Research and Education), a leading expert in new media and video game studies, and PhD student Fabian (Graduate School of Economics) discussing the cultural significance and creative innovation behind video games. Through an exploration of “progressive game design” and the influential work of renowned game designer Hideo Kojima, listeners gain fresh insights into how video games shape society, storytelling, and global cultural conversations. Assoc. Prof. Hartzheim also introduces some of the courses he teaches as part of the English-based degree programs in the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) and Graduate School of International Culture and Communication Studies (GSICCS), which offer a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment for students and researchers from around the world. The book this episode is based on: Hartzheim, B. H. (2023). HIDEO KOJIMA: Progressive Game Design from Metal Gear to Death Stranding. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.Link to the transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/85958About the Guest:Dr. Bryan Hikari Hartzheim is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of International Research and Education. He teaches in the English-based degree programs of the School of International Liberal Studies (SILS) and the Graduate School of International Culture and Communication Studies (GSICCS). He recieved his Ph.D. in Cinema and Media Studies from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research areas include aesthetics and art studies, game studies, media industry and production studies, and anime/manga studies. Link to the transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/85958

In this engaging discussion, Associate Professor Theron Muller, an expert in sociolinguistics and translanguaging, delves into the interconnected nature of languages in Japan. He explores how multilingual practices shape academic research and challenges the notion of Japan's monolingual identity. Theron shares his insights on Waseda University’s English-based programs and offers valuable advice for researchers considering an academic career in Japan, highlighting the unique opportunities and cultural transitions they may face.

In this final episode of the first installment of the series, Assistant Professor Robert Fahey (Waseda Institute for Advanced Study) serves as the guest and talks candidly with his Research Assistant Romeo Marcantuoni (Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies) about their joint research project examining the rise of Japan’s Sanseito party, which was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their conversation explores the interplay between conspiracy beliefs, the increasingly complex information environment, populist movements, and the broader political system in Japan and beyond.Link to their discussion paper "From conspiracy theory movement to challenger party: The case of Japan’s Sanseito": https://www.waseda.jp/inst/wias/assets/uploads/2025/01/dp2024001.pdfLink to the transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/83437About the Guests: Guest Assistant Professor Robert A. Fahey:Dr. Robert A. Fahey is an assistant professor of political science at the Waseda Institute for Advanced Study in Tokyo, Japan. His research interests include populism, polarisation, the effects of conspiracy theory belief, and Japanese politics. He is currently working on a series of large-scale surveys aimed at discovering what kinds of conspiracy beliefs are widespread in East Asian countries, and how those beliefs impact the political and social life of those nations.MC Ph.D. Candidate Romeo Marcantuoni:Romeo Marcantuoni is a Ph.D. candidate at the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies at Waseda University. He earned his MA and BA in Japanese Studies at KU Leuven, Belgium. His research centers on Japan's progressive parties.

In episode 7, Professor Toru Yoshikawa (Faculty of Social Sciences) speaks with MC Assistant Professor Yun Jung Yang (Waseda Institute for Advanced Study) about his recent research exploring gender diversity in top management teams, particularly women in the role of the Chief Human Relations Officer (CHRO). Professor Yoshikawa worked with a team of researchers that investigated why women are increasingly appointed to the CHRO position in the US but less so to other executive roles. Additionally, he uses his expertise to reflect on gender diversity, ESG (environmental/social/governance), and DEI (diversity/equity/inclusion) initiatives at companies in Japan, as well.  Link to transcript: https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/news/83354 About the Guests: Professor Toru Yoshikawa (Guest)Dr. Toru Yoshikawa began working at Waseda University's Faculty of Social Sciences in 2023. He specializes in business administration, strategic management, corporate governance, top management teams, innovation, and international business. He obtained his PhD from York University and has previously taught at Nihon University, McMaster University, and Singapore Management University. Prior to that he spent a number of years working in the finance industry. Dr. Yoshikawa is a member of the Academy of Management, the Academy of International Business, the Strategic Management Society, and the International Corporate Governance Society.  Assistant Professor Yun Jung Yang (MC)  Dr. Yun Jung Yang is an Assistant Professor at the Waseda Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS). Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of international politics (international relations) and comparative politics, and more specifically armed conflict and human rights violations. In particular, she mainly investigates child soldiering and rebel groups’ tactical decisions during armed conflict. Dr. Yang is also interested in overall human rights violations in conflict zones, conflict outbreak and management, international regulations (i.e. international laws), international security, and criminal psychology. She received her PhD from the Department of Government, University of Essex in 2022.

In this episode, Gracia Liu-Farrer, a Professor of Sociology and Director of the Institute of Asian Migrations, discusses the evolving landscape of skilled migration in Asia, particularly in Japan. She dives into how skills are socially constructed and perceived, highlighting the need for policy reforms amidst demographic crises. Liu-Farrer also addresses the de-skilling phenomenon faced by skilled migrants and the economic challenges of labor export. Her insights shed light on the role of migration in social identity and the need for recognition of diverse migration experiences.