In collaboration with Oshu City, the Global Learning Center conducted a social co-creative international collaborative learning program. This program was established as part of the Tohoku University Japanese Program (TUJP), a short-term program for international students. Before the field trip, preliminary study sessions were held with staff from Oshu City’s Tourism and Products Division (part of the Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Department), the Oshu Foundry Technology Exchange Center, and Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park. In these sessions, students learned about the geography and culture of Oshu City and were introduced to challenges for which the city sought their proposed solutions.
On the field trip, which took place on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 56 short-term international students visited the Oshu Foundry Technology Exchange Center, Oigen Foundry, Kaishindo, and Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park. At Oigen Foundry, they toured the Nanbu ironware factory and observed the skilled techniques of the artisans up close. At Kaishindo, students saw the production line for yokan, a sweet bean jelly, and had the opportunity to touch the raw ingredients. At Esashi-Fujiwara Heritage Park, surrounded by Heian-period style architecture, they participated in cultural activities such as trying on Heian-period kimonos and practicing Japanese archery.
The following week, a presentation session was held where student groups presented their proposals in both Japanese and English to address the question, "How can Oshu City be promoted to an international audience?" The program successfully deepened the students' understanding of Japanese culture and society. One participant commented, "I have always been a fan of traditional Japanese culture, so I was excited to see where Nanbu ironware is actually made." This program was developed and implemented as part of the "Multicultural Campus Project toward Social Impact."