On April 17, the Graduate School of Humanities held a special lecture at Academy Hall on the Surugadai Campus, with MORIYASU Hajime, head coach of Japan’s national football team, as the guest lecturer. Titled “Why Has Japan’s National Team Become Stronger? Looking Ahead to FIFA World Cup 2026, Which Kicks Off in June,” the lecture was held ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 and drew approximately 1,000 attendees, including faculty and staff members, graduate students, and undergraduate students.
Academy Hall filled with attendees
Sports journalist NINOMIYA Seijun, who completed the doctoral course at the Graduate School of Humanities in 2026, and sports journalist OZAWA Ichiro participated as interviewers. Professor KAMASAKI Futoshi of the School of Law, who also teaches in the Graduate School of Humanities, served as the moderator. The panelists discussed a wide range of topics from their perspectives as national team head coach and sports journalists, including their approach to the World Cup, strategies for coping with the heat, and preparations for penalty shootouts.
MORIYASU Hajime, head coach of Japan’s national football team
After the lecture, a question-and-answer session with the audience was held, moderated by Professor KAMASAKI. When asked about the importance of university-level football from his perspective as the head coach of Japan’s national football team, Head Coach MORIYASU said, “University-level football plays an extremely important role in the development of football in Japan. Among universities, Meiji University has produced many J. LEAGUE players. It is truly wonderful that an educational institution such as a university provides an environment where students can aim to become professional players.”
Many other questions were also raised, and the lecture concluded on a high note.
Before the lecture, President UENO Masao met with Head Coach MORIYASU. President UENO expressed his gratitude to Head Coach MORIYASU for his contribution to the special lecture and offered his encouragement to Japan’s national football team as it prepares for the World Cup.
Head Coach MORIYASU answers a question from a student
The Graduate School of Humanities will continue to enhance its education and research through events and other initiatives, as it works to foster individuals who can take the initiative and act with a public-minded perspective.