NEWS

On October 7, 2026, APU and Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa held an unveiling ceremony for their joint project, “Play & Read”. The project was launched with the goal of promoting the appeal of the local community and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. As part of the initiative, Grand Mercure Beppu Bay Resort & Spa renovated one of its lounge areas and reopened it as “Play & Read”, a new space where guests can relax freely while enjoying manga and art.

The space is built around the concept, “Opening Walls, Crossing Boundaries.” This theme expresses a vision of a world where people connect beyond differences in nationality, culture, language, and generation. APU students participated in the space design and the creation of wall art, drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of Beppu Bay and the rich culture of Hiji and the Beppu region. By blending Oita's landscapes, traditional Japanese design motifs, and the globally celebrated culture of manga, the students sought to create a space that invites visitors to discover and appreciate the region’s unique attractions. In the completed manga room, guests can enjoy reading, relaxing, or spending quality time with family and friends in their own way.

For the students, the project provided a valuable opportunity to transform their ideas and creative expressions into a real-world space. The initiative not only fostered practical learning experiences but also contributed to promoting the region’s charm and strengthening connections within the local community, making it a meaningful example of university-industry collaboration.

Student Comments

Misora Honda (fourth-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Japan)

I designed my artwork around the motif of mizuhiki (traditional Japanese decorative cords), hoping that guests will enjoy a memorable stay and that new connections will be formed between the hotel and its visitors.

ALI SAYED MUSTAFA (third-year student in the College of International Management, India)

I created my work while imagining how the bonds I have built with friends at APU will continue beyond graduation, transcending countries and regions.

Hazuki Tomiyama (fourth-year student in the College of Asia Pacific Studies, Japan)

Through this project, I rediscovered the joy of creative expression and gained a valuable opportunity to reflect on my own personal growth.