[Faculty of Modern Social Studies] Sakamoto Seminar "That's right, let's go to Oita 2024" held

The "Let's go to Oita" project, which started in 2022, is a PBL program based in Oita Prefecture and led by Associate Professor Sakamoto Hidetake, of the Faculty of Faculty of Modern Social Studies Department of Tourism and Regional Management.

This year, 12 students from the seminar participated. On the evening of October 18th, they took a ferry from Kobe Port to Oita and spent two days there. The theme of this year was "Getting closer to the players working to revitalize the region," and with the cooperation of former local revitalization volunteers, Oita City Hall, Nozuhara Town Chamber of Commerce, local companies, and local residents, they participated in creative activities at the art village, experienced rice harvesting, had a dinner with members of the local elementary school children's association, gave lectures by local representatives, and conducted fieldwork to visit waterfalls, dams, roadside stations, and more. Through this fulfilling program, the students were able to interact with many people involved in the region.

Associate Professor Sakamoto reflected, "The local exchange space was made possible by people gathering with special feelings, respecting each other, and showing consideration. The students immediately intuitively understood this, were impressed, and were able to accept it and show consideration. It was impressive to see each of them working hard to live up to those feelings." The students will summarize and analyze what they received and felt, and give feedback to those who helped them, and hold a presentation to further deepen their relationships. Please look forward to their future activities.

(Source: School Public Relations)