Connecting Rural Study Program 2026

About this event

Set across the entire Minamiizu Town in Shizuoka Prefecture, the 'Connecting Rural Study Program 2026' will be held with approximately 50 university students residing in the Tokyo metropolitan area staying for one week, planned and operated by the students. Going beyond temporary tourism, this event aims to create a 'related population' that remains continuously involved with the town and revitalize the depopulating community. Participants aim to build relationships where they can feel at home saying 'Tadaima' through deeply connecting with daily life in Minamiizu Town by managing and joining local events, holding exchange meetings with residents, conducting collaborative classes at elementary, junior high, and high schools, and volunteering with local businesses. Through diverse volunteer activities across agriculture, tourism, and community events, students deepen their understanding of local livelihoods while fostering mutual understanding and trust with businesses. In addition, it provides local children with opportunities to interact with university students, making diverse future paths and ways of learning feel closer. Multi-generational exchange events planned and operated by students, as well as social gatherings and wrap-up parties with town residents, are scheduled, serving as valuable opportunities to nurture new connections and trust. In the past, about 80% of participants voluntarily revisited within 2 months after completing the program.

Venue

Minamiizu Town

Minamiizu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka