Waseda University Students Engage in Dialogue with U.S. Congressional Representatives

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Waseda University Students Engage in Dialogue with U.S. Congressional Representatives - AppliedHE

On April 16, 2025, a bipartisan delegation of eight members from the U.S. Congress conducted discussions with students at Waseda University. This visit was part of a congressional trip to Japan, organized by the Former Members of Congress (FMC) and supported by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA. This marked the second visit by a U.S. congressional group to Waseda, following an earlier visit in 2022.

Student Engagement and Discussion Topics

The students were organized into eight groups to facilitate direct dialogue with the congressional representatives. Prior to the event, students identified key discussion topics that included various pressing issues affecting both the United States and the global community. Key topics included democracy, U.S. strategy in the Indo-Pacific, U.S.-China relations, tariffs, climate change, immigration, drug-related crime, higher education, and women’s representation in politics.

Coordination and Participation

Professor Kazuhiko Yokota from the School of Commerce coordinated preparations for the visit, along with students from his International Trade Seminar. Additionally, a diverse group of Japanese and international students from the School of Social Sciences and the Center for International Education’s Global Leadership Fellows Program participated in the discussions, contributing a range of perspectives and questions.

Congressional Representatives and Student Interaction

The congressional representatives engaged with the students, providing thoughtful responses based on their experiences with various congressional committees and their regional backgrounds. The discussions occurred during a period of notable political change in the U.S. and ongoing global conflicts, allowing for a deeper understanding of the issues as differing perspectives emerged from both Democratic and Republican members.

Career Development Opportunities

Following the formal discussions, students engaged further with individual congressional members, asking questions about potential career paths and internship opportunities within congressional offices.