NEWS

On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, a special guest lecture was held as part of the "Introduction to Tourism Studies JA" course (Instructor: Professor Kiyoyoshi Yoshizawa) in the College of Sustainability and Tourism. Ms. Shiina Nagano from Rakuten Group’s Sustainability Department and Mr. Fuyuki Oki from Rakuten Travel were invited to speak on the topics of “Rakuten Group’s Sustainability Strategy and Materiality” and “Rakuten Travel: Sustainability and Tourism,” respectively.

The lecture began with an overview of why companies need to engage in sustainability and how Rakuten interprets sustainability from a business perspective. The speakers explained that Rakuten’s mission—“to realize sustainable growth together with stakeholders and drive positive transformation in both the Rakuten Group and society”—guides their decision-making in addressing social issues and trends with a long-term view. These efforts were illustrated through both internal initiatives and external collaborations.

In the latter half of the lecture, Mr. Oki introduced sustainability projects led by Rakuten Travel since 2021, including its accommodations system that represents the company’s sustainable initiatives with icons on its reservation pages and the development of sustainability handbooks for lodging facilities. These initiatives reflect a broader effort to engage stakeholders beyond the company in promoting sustainability. Rakuten Travel aims to enhance the value and quality of travel while maximizing its positive impact on local communities and minimizing negative effects such as resource overconsumption.

The session was highly interactive, with practical insights shared on project implementation and the development process for new services. Students eagerly asked questions throughout the session.

Toward the end of the lecture, Ms. Nagano encouraged students by saying, “Whether you're working with sustainability in mind or providing services, it’s essential to always maintain a user-centered perspective. Cherish and record the insights and thoughts you have as students.” Mr. Oki added, “I hope you will actively engage with rapidly evolving technologies like AI while you're still students and develop skills that will be valuable in your future careers.”