Waseda University launches podcast episode on aging, AI and Japan's economy

Waseda University released episode 2 of Season 3 of its English-language podcast on Sept. 24, 2026, focusing on how automation, inheritance and demographic change could shape Japan’s economic future. The episode also highlights the university’s English-based degree programs and upcoming season releases.

Why it matters: - Japan faces a shrinking workforce and a rapidly aging population. - The episode frames automation and AI as tools that could support productivity, but not as a complete fix. - The discussion links economic growth to inheritance and other intergenerational transfers, a factor that can affect inequality and long-term opportunity. - Waseda is using the podcast to reach international audiences and prospective students interested in Japan-focused research.

What happened: - Waseda University released episode two of Season 3 of its English-language podcast series, “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” on Sept. 24, 2026. - The episode is titled “Japan’s Economic Future: Aging, AI, and Automation.” - Host and Waseda student Kanon Kurabayashi speaks with Professor Akihiko Kaneko of the Faculty of Political Science and Economics. - The episode is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

The details: - Kurabayashi and Kaneko discuss how automation, AI and demographic change may shape long-term economic growth. - Kaneko examines how technological change interacts with inheritance and bequests. - The episode argues that the motives behind bequests can have major implications for economic growth. - Kaneko focuses on Japan’s aging population and shrinking workforce. - The conversation says automation can help raise productivity. - The episode also emphasizes education and targeted retraining to address inequality between workers. - Kaneko introduces Waseda’s English-based degree programs as a setting for students to study global economic issues in a multilingual environment. - The episode says students can build connections with peers from around the world. - Season 3 features eight Waseda researchers paired with three student hosts. - Episodes run about 15 minutes each. - Topics this season include Japan’s economy, labor and migration in Japan, business in Japan, Japanese culture and AI. - Waseda says the podcast is aimed at prospective international students, people considering study or research in Japan, and listeners interested in Japanese society.

Between the lines: - The episode treats inheritance as an economic variable, not just a family issue. - That framing suggests wealth transfers may matter as much as wages and productivity in understanding Japan’s future growth path. - Waseda is also positioning the podcast as a recruitment and outreach tool, not only a research product. - The English-language format reinforces the university’s push for global visibility.

What's next: - Episode 3 is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2026, with Assistant Professor Shahida Pervin on migration, labor shortages and Japan’s economic future. - Episode 4 is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2026, with Professor Shinji Hasegawa on sustainable business. - Episode 5 is scheduled for Nov. 25, 2026, with Professor Naoko Nemoto on whether doing good can make good business. - Waseda says the season will continue with conversations on current social debates and trending news. - Waseda currently offers English-based degree programs at 6 undergraduate schools and 15 graduate schools. - The university says it welcomes the highest number of international students per year in Japan, citing the 2025 Japan Student Service Organization report. - In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Waseda placed in the top 100 globally in Arts & Humanities at No. 61 and Social Sciences & Management at No. 78.

The bottom line: - Waseda is using a podcast episode on aging, AI and automation to link Japan’s economic challenges to education, inequality and wealth transfer, while broadening its global academic reach.