"DOJO in Taiwan" Launches the Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact

「DOJO in Taiwan」 marked the pilot implementation of the Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact, an initiative designed to inspire students to engage in collaborative expeditions aimed at addressing social issues both in Japan and abroad. This project was sponsored by Mitsui Fudosan, as part of their industry-academia partnership with University of Tsukuba. The course content was co-developed by Prof. Naoko Fujita from the University of Tsukuba's Institute of Art and Design and Prof. Yung-Chi Yen from NCKU's Department of Urban Planning.

DOJO in Taiwan: An Immersive Exploration of Shopping Culture

From February 8 to 16, the program brought together 20 students from the University of Tsukuba and 20 students from National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), a Campus-in-Campus (CiC) partner. UT and NCKU Students conducted a field survey in Taiwan to investigate shopping culture. During this period, students from both universities lived, dined, and worked together in a training camp-style environment, fostering close collaboration and multicultural exchange. As part of their research, students analyzed LaLaport in Taichung as a case study. Using LaLaport Taichung--a recently introduced Japanese "Jikan Shouhi-gata" (time-consuming) shopping mall concept--as a case study, they analyzed the shopping environment through a multisensory approach, focusing on sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste (food culture).
Their research included interviews with shoppers, mall management, and local government officials to understand urban planning considerations. Students also examined art and environmental designs within the mall to assess their impact on the shopping experience and cultural engagement. Additionally, they evaluated the mall's activities, facilities, design, and accessibility, comparing these elements with other shopping areas in Taiwan, such as those in Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan.
Through their investigation, students identified key factors shaping the shopping experience and developed proposals to enhance shoppers' quality of life while delivering value to stakeholders. The multidisciplinary nature of the student teams led to innovative ideas, ranging from the use of bioluminescent organisms to advanced AI applications for shopping optimization. These findings were presented to key decision-makers, including executives from Mitsui Fudosan, representatives from the Department of Urban Planning, and members of the Center for National Land Development Research. Prof. Mitsuyasu Kato, Vice President and Executive Director for Education and the focal person for the Social Impact Program, provided feedback during the student presentations.

A Model for Future Collaboration

The success of the Pilot DOJO Program highlights the potential of the Multicultural Campus Project Toward Social Impact to create meaningful learning experiences for students while fostering international industry-academia collaboration. This initiative is expected to pave the way for future cross-border projects that address social challenges through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. The program ultimately aims to establish six (6) active DOJO Programs worldwide.