KAWAGUCHI Kosei | Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Reason Why You Decided to Apply

I have visited Nagasaki several times on family trips and school excursions, and each time I was impressed by how well-developed it is as a tourist destination. I always felt drawn to return. When I learned about “Nagasaki Saruku,” a walking-style tourism initiative, I was excited to experience Nagasaki from a new perspective. I decided to join this program to learn how Saruku was developed and is being operated. I believe understanding its role in regional revitalization will deepen my knowledge and contribute to my future learning as an ST student.

What do you hope to gain from participating in the program and how will you apply it to your future undergraduate studies or career?

Through Nagasaki Saruku, I realized that tourism is built on human connections and was impressed by the people’s openness to new ideas and outsiders. Looking at Nagasaki’s history, I believe this accepting nature has developed over time. In my future studies, I want to explore how tourism can utilize local resources and community strengths. I hope to become someone who connects people and regions through tourism, and contribute to building flexible, inclusive communities.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

In field study programs focused on tourism, you can visit actual sites and interact with local people to truly feel the essence of tourism and the charm of the region. It’s a valuable opportunity not only for students studying tourism, but also for those interested in community development and regional revitalization. You’ll gain real-life insights that cannot be learned in a classroom, and it will surely broaden your perspective. If you’re even a little interested, I encourage you to take that first step and join the program!

(The photos below show the night view from Nabekanmuriyama and a scene of listening to the behind-the-scenes story of the construction of Meganebashi Bridge.)