Tokyo's Waseda University Releases Podcast Season 3, Ep. 1 'East Asia in a Dollar-Dominated World'

Waseda student Kanon speaks with Prof. Tomoo Kikuchi about the US dollar’s continued dominance of the global financial system and what it means for East Asia.

TOKYO, JAPAN, September 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Waseda University released the first episode, “East Asia in a Dollar-Dominated World”, of Season 3 of its English language podcast series “Rigorous Research, Real Impact” on September 9, 2026. All podcast episodes are available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Episode 1: “East Asia in a Dollar-Dominated World”

In this first episode, host and Waseda student Kanon Kurabayashi speaks with Professor Tomoo Kikuchi of the Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies about the US dollar’s continued dominance of the global financial system and what it means for East Asian economies. They explore why the Renminbi has yet to challenge the dollar’s international role, how growing US-China trade tensions and economic competition are reshaping the global economic order, and how Japan can respond. Professor Kikuchi also discusses the advantages of studying global economic issues from Japan and at Waseda University, drawing on the University’s longstanding connections across Asia and its diverse international academic community.

About Season 3

This season, eight Waseda researchers will join three charismatic Waseda students, who will take on the role of MCs and guide the conversations. In relaxed, approximately 15-minute episodes, the researchers will introduce their areas of expertise, discuss how their research intersects with current social debates and trending news, and talk about their experiences teaching in Waseda’s English-based degree programs. Topics explored throughout the season include Japan’s economy, labor and migration in Japan, business in Japan, Japanese culture, and AI. By bringing academic expertise into accessible conversations about contemporary issues, the podcast offers international audiences a fresh perspective on Japan and the research taking place at Waseda. It is especially aimed at prospective international students, those considering further study or research in Japan, and anyone interested in discovering new perspectives on the issues shaping Japanese society and beyond.

Episode Release Schedule

■Episode 2（Release date: 2026/9/24）：
Professor Akihiko Kaneko (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—
“Japan’s Economic Future: Aging, AI, and Automation”
■Episode 3（Release date: 2026/10/14）：
Assistant Professor Shahida Pervin (Faculty of Political Science and Economics)—
“Migration, Labor Shortages, and Japan’s Economic Future”
■Episode 4（Release date: 2026/11/04）：
Professor Shinji Hasegawa (Faculty of Social Sciences)—
“Global Goals, Local Realities: Rethinking Sustainable Business”

About Waseda University

Waseda University currently offers English-based degree programs at 6 of its undergraduate schools and 15 of its graduate schools. According to the 2025 Japan Student Service Organization’s report, Waseda welcomes the highest number of international students per year in Japan. Additionally, in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 Waseda placed in the top 100 in the world in the broad subject areas of Arts & Humanities (rank #61) and Social Sciences & Management (rank #78).

Amanda Imasaka
Waseda University (早稲田大学）
koho@list.waseda.jp
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Season 3, Episode 1: Teaser Video