[Faculty of Modern Social Studies] Project-Based Learning (PBL) class conducted by Taichi Takano of the certified NPO "Big Issue Japan"

On June 3rd, we invited Mr. Taichi Takano, Director General of the certified NPO Big Issue Japan, and Mr. M, a vendor, as guest Lecturer to give a lecture on the theme of "Big Issue's efforts in addressing homelessness and poverty."

This course is a final practical exercise course for obtaining the "Social Researcher" qualification certified by the Japan Association for Social Research. You will put into practice the entire process of social research, utilizing the social research skills you have learned in lectures.
This academic year, we will be addressing the issue of "social exclusion and inclusion" in the Hanshin region where our university is located, using a PBL (Problem-Based Learning) approach. As part of this, following Mr. Nakamachi from "Sodateage Net Connections Osaka" who spoke last time, we have invited Mr. Takano, who works to support the employment and independence of homeless and other impoverished people, and Mr. M, who actually sells The Big Issue, to speak.

In the lecture, Mr. Takano gave a detailed presentation on the activities and support provided by the magazine "THE BIG ISSUE" and "Big Issue Japan," as well as the current situation of homelessness in Japan. In the latter half, Mr. M, a vendor who became homeless due to gambling addiction, shared his experiences of becoming independent. His message as someone who had experienced this firsthand seemed to have left a strong impression on the students.

Students shared insights such as, "I used to think that problems were often resolved as an individual issue, but I realized that it's an important issue for society to pay attention to," "I used to think that having a home meant independence, but I learned that independence can also mean being able to make a living on your own, even without a home," "I've never gambled, but I realized how scary it is to become addicted to something. App games, which are common among young people, seem to be similar to gambling, and I think many people find it hard to stop playing," and "With the increase in welfare and support, the number of homeless people we can see has decreased, but I think there are still many homeless people that we can't see."

In addition, after the lecture, some of the comments included: "After class, I saw someone doing Big Issue activities in town. Hearing their story completely changed my perspective, and I now understand their circumstances and reasons for selling the magazine, so I hope they take care of their health and keep up the good work," "I learned that there are various factors that lead to homelessness. I was surprised to learn that Big Issue Japan is also involved in activities such as providing housing support by utilizing vacant public housing units," and "I used to think that there was something wrong with the person themselves if they became homeless, but I learned that it is often due to a combination of factors, and I realized that there are different reasons and triggers for each individual."

In this spring semester course, we will prepare and plan a social survey. Building on this, in the fall semester's "Media and Social Design Workshop II," we will conduct fieldwork in real-world settings and interviews with supporters, aiming to complete a research report through data analysis and consideration.

(Source: Faculty of Modern Social Studies)