#Japan #Water Resources #Rissho University #Zentsuji #Koubo Daishi

Rissho University's Inaugural Delivery Lecture in Western Japan

On November 15, 2026, Rissho University (located in Shinagawa, Tokyo), under the auspices of its Kagawa Prefecture Alumni Association, will host its first-ever Delivery Lecture in Western Japan. The event titled "Koubo Daishi and Water" will take place at the former Zenkoji Kaikosha Hall in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture, and is free to the public.

Zentsuji City is renowned as the birthplace of Koubo Daishi, also known as Kukai, a significant figure in Japanese Buddhism. The first segment of the lecture will feature Professor Tadashi Kono from Rissho University's Faculty of Earth Environmental Sciences, who specializes in hydrology and renowned water research. He will present on the intricate relationship between Koubo Daishi and water, delving into scientific and historical perspectives on water cycles and local wisdom.

The second part will include a panel discussion featuring faculty and students from Setouchi Junior College of Tourism, as they re-examine Kagawa's water resources and cultural heritage through the lenses of tourism promotion and community development.

Event Details

• - Event Title: Delivery Lecture by Rissho University in Zentsuji
• - Date: November 15, 2026 (Sunday)
• - Time: 1:30 PM
• - Location: Former Zenkoji Kaikosha Hall (2-1-1 Bunkyocho, Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture)
• - Admission Fee: Free (No pre-registration required)
• - Target Audience: General public, Rissho University alumni, local high school and university students
• - Organizer: Rissho University Alumni Association of Kagawa
• - Supported by: Zentsuji City, Zentsuji City Board of Education, Anabuki Enterprise Co., Ltd., Setouchi Junior College of Tourism
• - Cooperative Institution: Setouchi Junior College of Tourism

Program & Participants

First Section: Keynote Lecture [1:30 PM - 2:30 PM]

• - Title: "Koubo Daishi and Water - Considering Water as a Local Cultural and Tourist Resource"
• - Content: Exploration of the connection between Koubo Daishi and water, the water cycle, and the application of Koubo Daishi’s wisdom in contemporary society.
• - Speaker: Professor Tadashi Kono, Rissho University Faculty of Earth Environmental Sciences, PhD in Science.
• - Expertise: Groundwater studies, hydrology, limnology, groundwater environments, hot spring science, and renowned water research.

Second Section: Panel Discussion

• - Theme: "Tourism and Water - Cultivating Local Culture and Tourist Resources through Water"
• - Content: Discussion on how water shapes local culture, the promotion of tourism linked to Koubo Daishi, community branding strategies in the era of inbound tourism, and the potential for young people in regional tourism.
• - Panelists Include:

- Professor Tadashi Kono (Rissho University)
- Professor Wataru Ishio (Setouchi Junior College of Tourism)
- Students from Setouchi Junior College of Tourism

Purpose and Background of the Event

This project aims to leverage Rissho University’s academic expertise to benefit the local community while providing lifelong learning opportunities. Moreover, it seeks to create a multidimensional examination of the regional resources encompassing "history, culture, water, and tourism" in Zentsuji City, the birthplace of Koubo Daishi. By fostering collaboration and exchange between the university, local governments, specialized educational institutions, and high school students, this initiative aspires to nurture future leaders in community development and invigorate the region.