#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Airlines #Univer #Aozora Study

Innovative Collaboration Between JAL and Univer

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Univer have announced an exciting initiative aimed at promoting community engagement and educational development through joint fieldwork in Japan's Noto region. The project, called "Aozora Study Abroad - Campus Everywhere," aims to facilitate interactions between university students and diverse adults from the region, emphasizing collaborative efforts for regional recovery. This initiative is set to kick off in 2024 and has recently received recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries with the inaugural "Contribution to Rural Development" certificate, marking a significant milestone as it is the first time an airline has been honored in this manner.

Aozora Study Abroad Initiative

The Aozora Study Abroad program is a product of a unique collaboration between JAL's W-PIT team and Univer, offering university students hands-on experience in rural revitalization efforts. The program integrates JAL's established community engagement initiatives with Univer's innovative educational model, which encourages students to engage with rural communities through fieldwork. This is not merely a volunteer program; it is designed to establish sustainable relationships between participants and local residents, fostering a deeper understanding of regional issues.

In essence, this initiative positions urban students as vital partners in addressing the challenges faced by the Noto region, which has been grappling with demographic declines and aging populations. By engaging in practical learning experiences and community discussions, students will play a key role in discovering and tackling local challenges.

Certificates and Recognition

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries recognizes this collaboration's importance through the establishment of the "Contribution to Rural Development" certificate. This certification is part of a broader governmental initiative aimed at addressing rural issues through resource integration from private enterprises. It aims to showcase the societal impact and outcomes of programs like the Aozora Study Abroad.

Details of the Initiative

The program is structured to be conducted annually, starting with three sessions in 2024. The first fieldwork will occur in Noto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, with participants including university students and corporate representatives. Key activities will involve:

1. Participating in Creative Recovery: Participants will learn about local cultural traditions, such as the "Abare Festival," which showcases the region's unique heritage and promotes community cohesion.
2. Co-creating with Primary Industries: Engaging firsthand with primary industries such as forestry and fishing, students will have discussions with JAL employees committed to sustainable community engagement, facilitating reflections on balancing social and economic values.
3. Transforming Relationships: Following the fieldwork, students will articulate their experiences through workshops, fostering psychological connections with Noto and transforming into proactive contributors to the region.

The Vision of Univer

Univer operates under the principle of re-designing education through movement. The "Campus Everywhere" initiative aims to foster a culture of interaction between urban and rural areas, creating next-generation leaders conducive to regional revitalization. By encouraging university students to traverse the country and engage with various communities, Univer is striving to redefine the educational landscape in Japan. More details can be found on their official website here.

Looking Ahead

As the Aozora Study Abroad initiative unfolds, JAL and Univer aim to continue creating unique social impacts centered on education and mobility, contributing to a more sustainable future for Japan's rural communities. With their combined expertise, they aspire to make meaningful advancements in the relationship between urban university students and rural residents.

For media inquiries:

• - Japan Airlines Public Relations: 03-5460-3105
• - Univer Public Relations: [email protected]