Digital Hollywood University Holds Freshman Training in Kagoshima Focused on Creative Cities

Overview of Freshman Training at Digital Hollywood University

Digital Hollywood University (DHU), located in Ochanomizu, Tokyo, has been at the forefront of digital communication education since its establishment in 2005. The university is recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology and offers a four-year program in Digital Communication and a professional graduate school focused on Digital Content Studies. For the academic year of 2025, DHU prepared a hybrid training program for new students from April 4 to April 10, which combined online sessions with an in-person camp in Kagoshima. A total of 278 first-year students participated in the event, leading to the creation of innovative ideas centered around the theme of 'Creative Cities.'

Historical Background of Freshman Training

Initiating in April each year since its founding, DHU's freshman training has evolved significantly over the years. From 2005 to 2017, students were sent to various international locations, including Los Angeles, for overseas training. However, since 2018, the focus has shifted towards domestic workshops aimed at stimulating regional development through digital communication. Recent years were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in completely online training for three consecutive years. Yet, in 2023, the university was able to return to in-person workshops, emphasizing themes like 'the entertainment of SDGs in Kyoto' and 'providing a practical understanding of internet radio production in Chiyoda Ward.'

The 2025 Freshman Camp in Kagoshima

The training program in Kagoshima revolved around the theme 'Super 5 Minutes! Our Ideas for a Creative City.' The emphasis was on promoting the city as a desirable location for creators to thrive. Divided into 48 teams, the 278 students conducted research on Kagoshima and explored ideas for the future of creative cities. This exploration involved fieldwork, shooting, and editing a short film that summarized their creative visions within a five-minute timeframe. Additionally, a photo contest was held on the platform Slack, allowing students to share their experiences from their time in Kagoshima.

The final presentations, initially scheduled for April 11 at Bellesalle Akihabara, were postponed to April 16 due to one flight being canceled and required additional overnight stays for some students returning to Tokyo.

Program Schedule Highlights

Day 1 (April 4): Online Introduction and Team Work

The first morning focused on introducing the students to the workshop's structure. Small groups met in Zoom breakout rooms to discuss personal interests using a pre-prepared passion map, fostering mutual understanding. In the afternoon, guest speaker Tomoyasu Hirano, who is involved in urban development efforts in Itoshima, gave a talk on the Science Village concept and related regional issues. Various panel discussions further deepened students' understanding of creative city planning, where they were required to identify their roles within their teams using Slack.

Day 2 (April 7): Weekend Planning and Video Production Techniques

After a weekend of group planning using Slack for discussions, Day 2 included sessions to refine their production direction and narrative styles, including a special lecture from part-time instructor Kaho Fujiyoshi on smartphone video production techniques. This day concluded with a ceremonial entrance ceremony.

Day 3 (April 8): In-Person Camp Begins in Kagoshima

The student cohort departed for Kagoshima, organized into three groups based on flight schedules. Upon arrival, they engaged in local sightseeing before checking into the Kagoshima Sun Royal Hotel. A welcoming seminar hosted by Kagoshima City Mayor Ryuuoh Shituzuru and local officials from the industrial promotion bureau took place in the evening. This informative session encouraged students to ask questions about the incentives for creators to settle in Kagoshima.

Day 4 (April 9): Fieldwork in Kagoshima City

With early morning reflections, students split into teams for fieldwork that included talks with active local creatives like Mizuki Yoshimitsu, who discussed her journey of relocating from Tokyo to Kagoshima. Team workshops allowed them to gather footage while exploring various locations within the city amidst the local community.

Day 5 (April 10): City Exploration and Return to Tokyo

This involved video editing sessions, sightseeing at historical sites, and a gradual return to Kagoshima Airport. Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions, three of the groups faced delays, while one group had to stay longer due to a canceled flight.

Day 6 (April 16): Presentations and Evaluations

The final presentations took place via Zoom, enabling both in-person attendees and remote participants to engage. Selected award-winning pieces were showcased, with participation from students and faculty for an interactive session. Although the initial plans were disrupted by flight cancellations, students demonstrated resilience and creativity amidst departure challenges.

Faculty Commentary

Professor Daisuke Hashimoto remarked on the fulfillment of exploring new ideas for creative migration to Kagoshima, emphasizing student perspectives in the creative process. He mentioned how the camp facilitated unique network-building experiences that emulate real-world professional challenges.

Digital Hollywood University continues to help shape the next wave of innovative digital communicators, ensuring students not only excel academically but also grow as adaptable individuals ready to face future challenges head-on.

For more information, check Digital Hollywood University’s official site: Digital Hollywood University