YOSHINAGA TAKUMI

The College of Asia Pacific Studies

Program

Field Study

Key Information

Program Location/Partner University	Fukuoka
Year of Participation	February, 2025
Program Length	Approx. 1 week

Program: (ST) Learn Kitakyushu City's environmental initiatives and regional development utilizing its industrial heritage based on the themes of "environment" and "tourism"
Instructor: TSUCHIHASHI Takuya

Reason Why You Decided to Apply

I applied for this field study for two main reasons. First, I had taken a previous course with Professor Tsuchihashi, who recommended this field study, so I wanted to take another course with him. Second, as an Environment and Development major, I have always been interested in environmental issues. I was attracted by the fact that I could learn about the practical environmental efforts of Kitakyushu City, which has a history of pollution, and regional development.

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

During the field study, we had the opportunity to hear directly from people working in the environmental industry and learn deeply about Kitakyushu City's environmental initiatives and community development from a practitioner's perspective. I felt that Kitakyushu is one of the leading environmental cities in Japan, leveraging its experience of dramatic transformation from a “pollution town” to an “environmental model city” to promote new growth strategies such as green growth. I believe that these efforts promote integrated environmental and economic development and contribute greatly to the realization of a sustainable society. In the future, I would like to apply the learning I gained from this program to my graduation research and graduate school studies.

Message for Students Interested in The Program

I think the great appeal of field study is that you can actively learn and acquire practical knowledge while interacting locally with people with diverse values. In addition, since members of different faculties and grades were participating in this program, I was able to gain new insights and learn non-academic things through interaction with them. If you are not sure about applying to the program, I encourage you to take the first step and give it a try. I believe that the first opportunity is important for everything. I am rooting for you!
(The photo is Yahata Champon, recommended by Professor Tsuchihashi. You should try it when you visit Kitakyushu!)