Waseda University (早稲田大学 Waseda Daigaku), abbreviated as Sōdai (早大), is a private university located in the northern part of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. It is one of the most prestigious universities in Japan and Asia. Founded in 1882 as Tōkyō Senmon Gakkō, the institution was renamed Waseda University in 1902. Its alumni include seven post-war prime ministers and prominent corporate leaders.