Waseda University podcast spotlights Japan’s labor shortages and migration

Waseda University released a new episode of its English-language podcast series on Oct. 14, 2026, featuring Assistant Professor Shahida Pervin on migration, labor shortages and Japan’s economic future. The episode frames labor supply as a live issue for Japan and ties research-based economics to classroom teaching and public debate.

Why it matters: - Japan’s labor shortages and migration debates affect the country’s economic future, workforce planning and social policy. - Waseda University is using a podcast to package research for international audiences and prospective students interested in Japan-focused issues. - The episode links academic research in empirical economics to real-world questions about people moving across borders and how Japan responds to labor demand.

What happened: - Waseda University released the third episode of Season 3 of its English-language podcast series, “Rigorous Research, Real Impact,” on Oct. 14, 2026. - The episode is titled “Migration, Labor Shortages, and Japan’s Economic Future.” - Assistant Professor Shahida Pervin of Waseda University’s School of Political Science and Economics is the featured guest. - The episode is available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube.

The details: - Pervin discusses Japan’s changing labor and migration landscape and the economic and social questions tied to cross-border movement. - She explains why people migrate and how Japan is dealing with labor shortages. - The episode draws on her research in empirical economics. - Pervin also describes how evidence and research can improve understanding of migration. - She discusses her teaching approach at Waseda, where students learn quantitative methods and apply them to real-world data and current economic issues. - Season 3 includes eight Waseda researchers and three student hosts who serve as MCs. - The episodes are presented in a relaxed format of about 15 minutes each. - Season 3 topics include Japan’s economy, labor and migration in Japan, business in Japan, Japanese culture and AI. - The podcast is aimed especially at prospective international students, people considering study or research in Japan, and listeners looking for fresh perspectives on Japanese society. - Waseda lists upcoming Season 3 episodes for Nov. 4, Nov. 25 and Dec. 16, 2026. - Upcoming Episode 4 features Professor Shinji Hasegawa of the Faculty of Social Sciences in “Global Goals, Local Realities: Rethinking Sustainable Business.” - Upcoming Episode 5 features Professor Naoko Nemoto of the Faculty of Commerce and Waseda Business School in “Can Doing Good Make Good Business?” - Upcoming Episode 6 features Associate Professor Maki Nakai of the Faculty of International Research and Education in “Clothing, Power, and Court Culture in Premodern Japan.” - Waseda says it currently offers English-based degree programs at 6 undergraduate schools and 15 graduate schools. - Waseda says it welcomes the highest number of international students per year in Japan. - In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, Waseda ranked No. 61 in Arts & Humanities and No. 78 in Social Sciences & Management. - More information is available in the university’s announcement.

Between the lines: - The podcast is part academic outreach, part student recruitment, giving Waseda a format to explain research in plain language. - By centering migration and labor shortages, the episode taps into one of Japan’s most important long-term policy questions. - The use of student MCs suggests Waseda is trying to make research feel more accessible to global listeners.

What’s next: - Waseda plans to release Episode 4 on Nov. 4, Episode 5 on Nov. 25 and Episode 6 on Dec. 16, 2026. - The full season will continue connecting research topics to current social debates and English-based education at Waseda. - The university is positioning the series as a recurring window into research on Japan for an international audience.