Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact
Waseda University Podcasts: Rigorous Research, Real Impact
Podcast Description
On “Rigorous Research, Real Impact”, seven knowledgeable Waseda University researchers active in the fields of the social sciences and the humanities casually converse with the MC about their recent, rigorously conducted research, the positive impact it has on society, and their thoughts on working in Japan at Waseda in short 15 to 30 minute episodes.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a variety of topics such as gender diversity in executive roles, skilled migration policies, central bank digital currencies, cultural influences in fantasy gaming, and the effects of populism on democracy. For example, one episode discusses why women are increasingly appointed as Chief Human Relations Officers in the US while remaining underrepresented in other executive settings, and another explores the social constructs around skill in migration.
“Rigorous Research, Real Impact” showcases knowledgeable Waseda University researchers active in the fields of the social sciences and the humanities. From Season 2, which began streaming on Sept. 23, 2025, guests converse casually with PhD student hosts about their rigorously conducted research, their experience working in Japan at Waseda, and the merits of the English-based degree programs they are a part of in short 15-minutes episodes.
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 Guest
Megumi 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
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