#Japan #Bunkyo Gakuin #Kamaishi City #Studycation #Kamaishi

Bunkyo Gakuin University Students Address Local Issues in Kamaishi City

Bunkyo Gakuin University, led by President Tsutomu Fukui, is set to launch the third edition of its innovative program, "Studycation 2025," on May 17, 2025, in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture. This unique initiative combines studying and vacationing, allowing students to immerse themselves in a new environment while tackling pressing community challenges.

The program will see a total of 12 students from the Faculty of Business Administration and international students live in Kamaishi City for two weeks. Their activities will include internships with local businesses and government agencies, through which they will not only learn about Kamaishi but also engage in promoting the area’s unique attractions.

Key Features of the Program:

• - Original Program: This initiative, which takes students away from Tokyo to a rural setting, aims to foster learning, networking, and experiential growth.
• - Expanded Internship Opportunities: Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 program has added two new businesses to its roster of five potential internship placements.
• - Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with local companies and government organizations, the program emphasizes regional revitalization and the solution of local issues.
• - Youth Perspective: Students are encouraged to harness their fresh ideas and perspectives to discover and promote new local attractions.

Addressing Aging Population Challenges

Kamaishi City faces significant demographic challenges, with an aging population exceeding 40%. The city has experienced a decline in its youth population due to migration to larger urban areas, which has resulted in labor shortages. To combat these issues, local authorities are intensifying city promotion initiatives aimed at revitalizing the community and encouraging relocation.

The internship partners perceive the students' creativity and insight as vital to not only enhancing local businesses but also revitalizing the community as a whole. Since the program's inception in 2023, 14 students have participated and actively contributed to resolving community challenges. This year, in its third iteration, students will contribute to five different internships while also engaging in community dialogues through the "Kamaishi Future Development Project" workshops.

Internship Opportunities

The following businesses and government agencies will participate in the 2025 edition:
1. NS Okamura (Office Furniture Manufacturing)
- Two students will intern here, focusing on production processes and community engagement initiatives aimed at fostering long-term employment.
- NS Okamura Website

2. Fujiyu Brewing (Seasoning Manufacturing & Sales)
- Interns will develop marketing ideas for the company’s café and leverage social media for advertising.
- Fujiyu Brewing Website

3. Tsuda Shoten (Seafood Processing & Sales)
- Three students will join a new social media project to address branding and marketing challenges associated with e-commerce initiatives.
- Tsuda Shoten Website

4. Hamachidori (Sake Brewing)
- Students will explore local sake production, conducting interviews with farmers and local businesses while developing promotional strategies.
- Hamachidori Website

5. Kamaishi City Hall
- Interns will learn about local culture and heritage by engaging in preservation activities and educational efforts related to the city's cultural assets.
- Kamaishi City Website

Stay Updated

For more information and updates, follow the official Instagram account of the "Kamaishi Studycation": Instagram. This program not only provides valuable experiences for students but also plays a critical role in the revitalization of Kamaishi City.

Through encounters with local culture, with both citizens and businesses, students are set to create a meaningful connection that benefits the community and enriches their educational journey.