Students Propose Policies to Kasukabe City Mayor Through Innovative PBL Course

Kasukabe City, Japan - A remarkable new educational initiative is underway at Kyoei University, where students are actively engaging with local government and businesses to tackle pertinent community issues. This program, named "KASUKABE Insight & Action," leverages Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies to empower students to propose practical solutions to pressing local problems. The collaboration includes various stakeholders—local companies, financial institutions, and government representatives—creating a robust framework for student learning and community engagement.

The first guidance session kicked off on April 14, 2026, marking the beginning of a comprehensive 15-week course for students in their second to fourth years. Students regularly interact with officials from the Kasukabe City Hall, local business leaders, and representatives from regional banks, offering them unique insights into the administrative, economic, and social challenges facing the city.

A Shift from Theory to Practical Application

This initiative stems from a growing need for education that connects students with real-world community issues. Previously, similar programs were not widely available in Japan, limiting students' ability to relate to their local environments effectively. The project began with a single special lecture in April 2025, where around 100 students expressed their interest in delving deeper, leading to the current structured program.

The first phase of the course focuses on comprehensive understanding and discovery, spanning from April to June. During this time, students will hear perspectives from various experts each week, providing them with a multi-faceted view of what affects their community. This is essential for helping students define local challenges from different angles.

Collaborative Curriculum Design

A significant distinction of this course is its multi-faceted collaboration involving the city government, businesses, educational institutions, and financial organizations. Each week, experts will share their knowledge, allowing students to grasp the interconnectedness of different sectors in addressing community issues. This comprehensive approach caters to students' learning needs and allows them to gain practical insights directly from experienced professionals.

Following this initial phase, students will work in teams to conceptualize and develop concrete solutions. This phase will include discussions with faculty members and insights from the Dooox company, enabling students to refine their ideas into actionable proposals that are economically viable underpinned by concrete reasoning.

Culmination of Learning in Action

The program culminates in July 2026, when students will present their final proposals to the Kasukabe City Mayor and other local decision-makers. This presentation will provide a platform for students to showcase their solutions to real problems faced by the community and to receive feedback in a professional setting, marking an integral step in their learning journey.

Dooox, the company partnering with Kyoei University, views this as a stepping stone toward enabling students to embrace their role in community development meaningfully. "Our aim is to create an environment where students can understand the importance of their contributions to society, encouraging them to take initiatives that lead to positive change," said Ryosuke Kubodera, the CEO of Dooox.

Future Prospects

As the program progresses, the commitment of stakeholders to local community engagement is expected to deepen, promoting the mutual benefits between students and their environment. The partnership between the public, private, and educational sectors stands as a model that can be adapted and replicated in different regions across Japan, enhancing local engagement in various communities nationwide.

Kasukabe City's collaborative partnership and the unique PBL design mark a significant step in educational innovation, encouraging not just academic achievement but also active citizenship among students. This initiative is set to inspire similar movements, fostering a generation ready to take on the challenges of their communities head-on.