#Japan #community revitalization #Fuji #Fuji City #Social Design School

Partnership Agreement Between Fuji City and the Graduate School of Social Design

On December 22, 2025, the Graduate School of Social Design, which is part of the Advanced Education Institution located in Minato Ward, Tokyo, signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, led by Mayor Yoshimasa Konagai. This agreement aims to leverage the strengths and resources of both parties to address local issues and foster human resources that contribute to society.

Objectives of the Agreement

The primary goal of this partnership is to collaboratively tackle various challenges that the Fuji community faces, while simultaneously nurturing practical skills and competencies in individuals who can make a positive societal impact. The agreement emphasizes utilizing educational and research activities to solve local issues, focusing on building sustainable community frameworks.

Collaborative Initiatives

The agreement outlines several key areas of collaboration:
1. Promotion of Educational and Research Activities: The partnership will advance educational and research initiatives centered around local challenges. Practical learning experiences and research strategies will be employed to address specific local concerns.

2. Human Resource Development: Through collaborative efforts with local governments and enterprises, the focus will be on cultivating talent that can secure the future of the local community. This initiative aims to create well-rounded individuals who can tackle modern challenges effectively.

3. Broader Community Development: In recognizing the need for diverse collaboration, both parties will build a flexible and progressive cooperation framework focusing on various projects that contribute to community growth.

Implementation Activities

As part of the 7th session of the Regional Project Manager Training Course (scheduled from November 2024 to March 2025), Fuji City will serve as a partner municipality. Graduate students will engage in a five-month research project centered on specific themes posed by Fuji City, which will include field investigations, literature studies, and interviews with relevant stakeholders. The goal is to produce concrete policy proposals addressing local challenges.

Challenges Identified by Fuji City

• - Ensuring job opportunities for women and promoting innovative work styles using IT.
• - Enhancing civic pride to prevent population outflow, along with immigration and settlement initiatives.
• - Utilizing the presence of Mt. Fuji to boost tourism and leverage local attractions.

Policy Proposals from Researchers

Some noteworthy policy suggestions include:

• - A collaboration project focused on Fuji's scenic views, traditional Japanese paintings, and VR technology.
• - Promoting local tourism through a cycling initiative tapping into cultural and historical insights.
• - Using matchmaking apps to invigorate local community engagement.

In February, researchers visited Fuji City for field research, sharing ideas and collaborating with city officials. During a final presentation, Mayor Konagai praised many of the proposals, stating, "There are numerous suggestions we would like to implement immediately." This positive feedback underscores the partnership's potential impact.

The Graduate School of Social Design and Fuji City are committed to becoming a model case of integrated regional revitalization, aiming to realize a sustainable community through collective efforts.

About the Graduate School of Social Design

Founded in April 2017 in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, the Graduate School of Social Design seeks to cultivate skilled professionals who can create and implement communication strategies rooted in academic principles of advanced education. The school offers various degrees, including a Master of Communication Design and a Master of Professional Education, focusing on practical knowledge and its application to society.

In April 2024, the Social Design Research Department will open, aimed at producing high-level professionals who can devise ‘grand designs’ for societal improvement. This initiative highlights the significance of social entrepreneurship in creating a virtuous cycle between economic activity and social contribution. The school's Associated Institute, the Advanced Education Research Institute, trains diverse individuals committed to the practical application of their knowledge in society.

For more information about the Graduate School of Social Design, please visit our website.