Toshihiko Hantani, President of Wako University

We want to be a university that never stops thinking.

Toshihiko Hanya, President of Wako University

■ Profile
Educational History
March 1991: Completed the Master's Program in Economics at Toyo University Graduate School.
October 1991 - October 1997: Doctoral student in Economics at Philipps University of Marburg, Hesse, Germany.

Career history
April 2000 - Present: Full-time Lecturer, Faculty of Economics (now Faculty of Economics and Business Administration), Wako University
April 2003 - Present: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Wako University (April 2007 - Present: Associate Professor)
April 2008 - Present: Professor, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Wako University
October 2014 - Present: Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Wako University
October 2017 - Present: Director of the Library and Information Center, Wako University
September 2018 - Present: Vice President, Wako University
September 2018 - Present: Vice President, Wako University
April 2020 - Present: Acting President of Wako University
November 2020 - Present: President of Wako University

Toshihiko Hantani, President of Wako University, steers the university under a policy that values ​​democratic management and free learning. Having chosen the path of research based on his experiences as a student, he now faces the challenge of university administration as president. We spoke with him about the ideal form of university education and the kind of learning required in a changing society, along with his journey so far and a message for university students.

From my first to third year of university, I spent more time on part-time jobs and club activities than on studying. As a student during the bubble economy era, I belonged to a sports club that focused on seasonal activities, such as tennis in the summer and skiing in the winter.
My part-time job was as a warehouse worker at a company that wholesales scientific and chemical equipment. Through that part-time job in the warehouse, I began to feel that I could better utilize my skills in a specialized profession where I could work with more autonomy, rather than in a job where I performed the same tasks at fixed times.
Therefore, I was drawn to the idea of ​​becoming a tax accountant, a profession where one can hone their expertise and build a track record of achievements. Among the various tax and accounting fields, I became particularly interested and began studying with the goal of becoming a tax accountant.
Although there was a system in place to exempt me from entrance exams for graduate school, once I actually started studying, I was drawn to the profoundness of the field of study more than the system itself, and my desire to continue research grew stronger. I am still deeply grateful to Wako University for accepting me in that context.

■ The role of the president: to support through dialogue, not top-down management.

Wako University has always valued traditional democratic management. The president is also elected. While top-down university management has become more prevalent nationwide since around 2000, Wako University continues to uphold the principle of "decisions made through discussion."
I didn't become president because I wanted power or a title. The operation of Wako University is not the responsibility of a select few, but rather a system in place where every faculty member is responsible. When the time came for me to take on that role, I decided to "face it properly for the sake of the university." The operation of the university cannot function without someone taking on the responsibility. I believe that my decision to take on that responsibility as my own was the result of my resolve.
As president, my priority is to listen to all opinions without interruption. Since there are diverse viewpoints, conclusions cannot be reached easily. This often leads to longer meetings, but I value taking the time to organize and consider the issues rather than making hasty decisions. After consulting with those involved in the operation and conducting thorough discussions, I will present a revised policy at the next meeting.
For me, responsibility doesn't mean "quitting if something goes wrong." Quitting won't solve the problem. I believe that fulfilling responsibility means continuously thinking about how to make things work and doing my best. It's a heavy role, but it's also a valuable experience that allows me to be involved with the entire university, and I find it very rewarding.

■ Educational policy: Engaging with society while upholding our ideals

At the heart of Wako University's education lies the founding principle of a "community of free research and learning." Faculty members are free to conduct research, and students are free to learn what they want to learn. I believe that this freedom and autonomy is the essence of a truly university-like institution.
When Wako University was founded in 1966, it was in the midst of Japan's period of rapid economic growth, and the university enrollment rate was only about 15%. At that time, it was often thought that simply going to university would guarantee a secure future. Against this backdrop, Wako University has championed the antithesis that "getting into university is not the goal; what you learn after you enroll is what matters." The idea is that if a student finds something they want to do and decides to drop out, that is also a valid choice.
At its core is a strong belief that "universities should not be mere job training schools." I have always believed that universities should be places that cultivate critical thinking skills, before being places that teach immediately useful knowledge.
On the other hand, it cannot be denied that employment and careers are important in modern times. Population decline and aging are progressing, and the industrial structure is changing dramatically. Unless the added value that each individual creates increases, the overall standard of living in society cannot be maintained. Even if a system of lifetime employment remains, I believe that we will be living in an era where career changes are a given.
That's why Wako University places a strong emphasis on career education, while maintaining a foundation of free and open learning that is characteristic of a university. Our education goes beyond simply helping students find jobs; it's about thinking about "how to build a professional life" and "how to choose your own path in a world of change."
Furthermore, a broad general education is essential for deepening one's expertise. To dig a deep hole, one must have a wide entrance, and to build a tall mountain, one needs a broad base. I believe that allowing students to learn freely and fostering their interests and motivation will ultimately lead to deeper learning.

■Message to university students

What I want you to acquire at university is the ability to think critically. The essence of academics lies in questioning everything and verifying each point for yourself.
What teachers say, what's written in books, and the information that circulates on social media all seem plausible at first glance. However, instead of blindly believing them, I want you to stop and think, "Is that really true?"
We live in an age of information overload, where it's easy to be swayed by someone else's opinion. That's why the ability to research, think for yourself, and make your own judgments is essential. This skill will undoubtedly be useful even after you enter the workforce.
Universities receive support from the government, but that's because society needs the people who have studied at universities. I hope that students will have a student life that allows them to live up to the expectations that society has placed on them.

◆Comment from the referrer, Terry Ito

I felt that Wako University is a bright and open school. The fact that it's a "small university" is itself appealing, and the atmosphere and feelings of the students, which tend to be hidden in larger universities, are truly alive and well here. Rather than making strong statements, something is conveyed naturally through the people and the atmosphere of the place. There are many individualistic and unique professors, and I was impressed by how they bring out the best in each of them. I think it's a university that values ​​both flexibility to adapt to the times and unwavering conviction.

Student Newspaper Online, June 23, 2025, Interview by Tsuda University 3rd year student, Karin Ishimatsu

Karin Ishimatsu, 3rd year student at Tsuda University / Yusaki Matsuzaka, 4th year student at Keio University