TAKIZAWA Ema

College of Sustainability and Tourism

Program

Field Study

Key Information

Program Location/Partner University	Hokkaido
Year of Participation	September, 2025
Program Length	Approx. 1 week

Program: (ST) Considering Making Use of Ainu Culture in Tourism Promotion for the Ainu Village Biratori Town, Hokkaido
Instructor: YOSHIZAWA Kiyoyoshi

Reasons for Participating in the Program

I applied for this program because I wanted to learn more deeply about the worldview and values that the Ainu people have cherished in their relationship with nature, as part of my commitment to protecting biodiversity. At APU, I encountered diverse languages and cultures and realized that each language carries meanings and emotions that cannot be directly translated. I wanted to apply this understanding to Ainu language and explore what kinds of thoughts and feelings are embedded within it. In addition, I have been interested in sustainable tourism that respects local communities and protects nature. I wanted to see how the knowledge I gained in class is applied in practice and what challenges arise.

How the Program Helped You Grow

Through this program, I was able to learn about Ainu culture and its view of nature firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of how language and values are interconnected. I also had the opportunity to observe sustainable, community-based tourism practices that respect local culture and to see how classroom theories align—or differ—from real-world implementation. Additionally, speaking directly with people working in the field allowed me to grasp the challenges and complexities of promoting tourism and to take ownership of these issues. Moving forward, I want to further explore these insights in my classes and continue exploring them through active engagement.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

This program offers a valuable opportunity to experience learning beyond the classroom. By studying Ainu culture and its view of nature on-site, I was able to think deeply about what sustainable tourism and community-based tourism truly mean. Seeing firsthand how classroom knowledge is applied in the field was incredibly stimulating. If you are interested, I encourage you to take the first step. The experiences you gain will broaden your perspective and provide valuable insights for your future decisions.