Exploring Tourism through Art: A Program to Train Innovators for 2026

Introducing VCP for TOKYO Tourism 2026

As part of its ongoing mission to innovate in the fields of art and design, Musashino Art University (located in Kohei City, Tokyo, Japan) is excited to announce its newest initiative: the Value Creation Program for TOKYO Tourism 2026. This program aims to cultivate a new generation of talent adept at navigating the increasingly complex world of tourism, especially in a post-pandemic society.

Program Overview

Inaugurated in 2024, this course makes use of the university's expertise in creative education, blending practical learning with theoretical principles. Designed specifically for individuals working or planning to work in the tourism sector, the VCP for TOKYO Tourism 2026 develops skills necessary for building brands that resonate with customers and fosters innovative thinking. Participants will learn how to redefine the relationships between people, society, and nature, ultimately leading to the creation of new values that are sustainable within a business ecosystem.

Furthermore, the program will again include practical fieldwork, which was successfully launched in 2025 on Izu Oshima island. This optional program will take place over two days and one night, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with the unique culture and environment of this volcanic island. Through immersive experiences unfamiliar to urban lifestyles, such as scenic beauty and local interactions, participants will rethink their preconceived notions and generate fresh ideas based on tangible experiences.

Program Schedule

The course spans several sessions from November 10, 2026, to February 2, 2027, comprising six lectures, each lasting approximately 150 minutes. There will be an optional fieldwork component on Izu Oshima scheduled for February 27 and 28, 2027. All sessions will occur at Musashino Art University’s Ichigaya Campus, specifically in the co-working space on the 7th floor.

Key Highlights of Each Session:

1. Orientation and Service Design Overview (Nov 10): This session sets the stage by redefining customer roles in tourism beyond mere recipients of service, focusing on collaborative partnerships that enrich regional communities.
2. Transforming Cultural Assets into Future Value (Nov 24): Participants will explore ways to discover and enhance local cultures, nurturing brands that successfully connect with society and the economy.
3. Reframing Tourism through Art (Dec 8): In a changing tourism landscape influenced by technology and globalization, this class invites participants to consider how contemporary art reinterprets tourism’s role amid current global challenges.
4. Understanding Aesthetic Order in Tourism Management (Jan 13): This session examines the diverse ways individuals engage with tourism, underlining the significance of physicality and interaction in tourism experiences.
5. Fieldwork & Workshop, and Gathering Insights (Jan 16): Participants will put their academic learning into practice by engaging in community-based research and developing service ideas based on hands-on experiences.
6. Feedback and Project Presentations (Feb 2): The culmination of the program will feature participants sharing their findings and insights, facilitating a rich exchange of ideas.

Special Note on Izu Oshima Fieldwork

This year, the fieldwork will continue to be a valuable part of the experience, allowing students to apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world context. They will gain firsthand understanding of how to create lasting value through sustainable tourism practices, benefiting both locals and visitors.

Enrollment and Online Information Session

Interested candidates can apply starting from September 14, 2026, until October 14, 2026. An online information session will occur on September 28, where prospective participants can learn more about the course structure and expectations.

Conclusion

The Value Creation Program not only embraces creative and critical thinking strategies but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of culture, society, and environment in the field of tourism. By equipping individuals with the knowledge they need to drive innovation, Musashino Art University reaffirms its commitment to shaping future leaders in tourism and design.

For more information on how to enroll or to participate in the online session, please visit VCP Tourism Program.