KIP知日派国際人育成プログラム

2021 Reginal Study Trip in Kushiro

The Kushiro training began with an idea competition. The participants were divided into three teams and kept preparing ideas for two months before the regional study. Aiming to revitalize the Kushiro economy, we created ideas to attract people to come to Kushiro while being involved with the industries selected by each team. The mayor of Kushiro and city officials commented on the ideas and taught us the importance of considering sustainability in business planning. We hope that Kushiro City will adopt new policies based on these three ideas. In addition, we held a student discussion with universities and high school students in Kushiro and were able to hear their passion for their hometown, Kushiro. We were impressed by the strong will of high school students to stay in the local area and support the evolution of Kushiro.
On the second day, we interviewed people involved in the tourism, fisheries, and forestry industries. Partly due to the influence of COVID-19, Kushiro City is trying to take various measures mainly to make people in Hokkaido aware of the charm of the local area. In order to convey the charm of Kushiro to the residents, what kind of method and what is effective to convey it will be a big point in the future. In the afternoon, we visited a coal mine company in Kushiro to explain in detail their efforts so far and future business development. We also visited the coal mine train leading to the submarine coal mine, and all the participants could not hide their excitement.
The third day was a day where we could feel the magnificent nature by taking a walk around Lake Akan and the Kushiro Marshland. Fortunately, we found parents and children of wild red-crowned cranes on the way and were fascinated by the beauty of the red-crowned cranes that took off leisurely.

【Shedule】

Sep.17th (Fri) Idea Competition & Discussion with College and High School Students in Kushiro City
Sep.18th (Sat) Interview about industries & Kushiro Coal Mining Industry Tour
Sep.19 (Sun) Walking around Lake Akan, Visiting Ainu Kotan and Kushiro Marsh National Park

【Idea Competition for Kushiro’s Economic Development】

In order to realize the regional economic growth of Kushiro City, 14 participants divided into three teams and held a competition to compete for business ideas. We received feedback on each idea from Mr.Ebina, the mayor of Kushiro City, and staff of Kushiro City, and were able to learn deeply about Kushiro through the process. Team A: "Ecovillage builds Kushiro new brand as an advanced SDGs city" Team B: "Kushiro through mystery solving and art" (Winner) Team C: "Kushiro to enjoy at home-Proposal for developing services that remotely provide Kushiro's food and nature-"

【Discussion】

A student debate was held with a total of 10 university and high school students in Kushiro City.
Regarding the theme of the discussion, "Which of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries should Kushiro City focus on in order to promote the revitalization of the Kushiro economy?" It was a very interesting discussion because of the conflict of ideas.

【Interview】

We interviewed people in the forestry, fishery, and tourism industries of Kushiro City to talk about local issues and attractions. We found that all three industries are making various efforts to build the Kushiro brand.

【Kushiro’s Coal Mining Industry Tour】

We visited a company that operates a coal mining industry in Kushiro and talked about the history of coal mining and the company's business. We also visited a coal mine train for workers to move to the submarine coal mine.

【Lake Akan】

Lake Akan, formed on the caldera terrain, is also famous as a habitat for spherical marimo. There is a mud volcano called "Bokke" in Ainu language, and you can see that volcanic activity is taking place. The weather was fine on this day, and the air was clear, so we were able to take a pleasant morning walk.

【Akanko Ainu Kotan】

At Akanko Ainu Kotan, we learned the history of Ainu and saw traditional Ainu tools.
The shops there sell merchandise such as handkerchiefs and accessories with traditional Ainu patterns printed, and some participants bought them as souvenirs.

【Kushiro Marsh National Park】

Kushiro Marsh National Park has a sidewalk where you can take a walk in the marsh, and you can come in contact with nature. During this visit, we were divided into three teams and arranged a video to convey the charm of the marshland. Through such activities, the relationships between the members have deepened.

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