Observe the Region, Move the Region — Faculty of Tourism and Community Development, Kokugakuin University

Established in April 2022, the Faculty of Tourism and Community Development at Kokugakuin University builds upon our university's long-standing tradition of deep appreciation for history, culture, and climate/local identity. Going beyond mere "tourism promotion," we explore "tourism and community development" with a clear focus on the sustainable livelihoods and future of local communities.

At the heart of our curriculum is community-rooted education guided by the philosophy, "The Community as Our Canvas". We listen humbly to local voices, carefully unraveling generations of "tacit knowledge" within the community, and elevating it into evidence-based "explicit knowledge" (concrete plans and proposals) that we return to the community. Integrating humanities, urban planning, data science, and tourism management (vision, organization, and financial resources), our interdisciplinary framework fosters the next generation of leaders who not only "observe and move the region," but also "think and act together with the community".

In our significantly expanded booth this year, we introduce the faculty through various perspectives, including "Curriculum," "Community Partnerships," "Methodology Courses," "Student Life," and "Specialized Seminars." Our student staff—who have visited local areas, listened to community voices, and developed genuine problem-solving capabilities since their first year—will be actively managing the booth, eager to share their daily research and practical achievements with their own words and passion.

We warmly invite you to visit the Kokugakuin University booth!