TOBA Yosuke | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Reasons for Participating in the Program

Through my studies in tourism and regional development at APU, I came to recognize that understanding environmental issues is essential for achieving sustainable regional revitalization. However, I found it difficult to grasp concretely how local governments, businesses, and citizens collaborate to address environmental challenges through lectures alone. This program offered a direct response to my concerns, as it uses Kitakyushu — a city that successfully transformed itself from a pollution-stricken area into an environmental leader — as its field site, providing opportunities to learn through company visits and administrative lectures. This is why I decided to apply.

How the Program Helped You Grow

Through this program, I gained three concrete learnings. First, lectures and facility tours conducted by the local government gave me a clear understanding of how environmental policies are formulated and implemented. Second, company visits allowed me to observe how environmental consultants identify real-world challenges and propose solutions. Third, small-group fieldwork helped me develop the ability to analyze a single issue from multiple perspectives. Building on these experiences, I aim to deepen my studies in tourism and regional development at APU,　and ultimately pursue a career in sustainable regional revitalization that balances environmental considerations with tourism development.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

The greatest value of this program lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice. Knowledge of environment, tourism, and regional development gained at APU becomes truly practical only when examined against real-world settings in government and business. In Kitakyushu, you can experience this process firsthand through Environmental Bureau lectures, facility tours, and company visits. Furthermore, small-group fieldwork strengthens both critical thinking and collaborative skills. For students interested in environmental issues or regional revitalization, I strongly recommend this program as an opportunity to elevate your academic learning to a more applied and meaningful level.