Kyoto Prefectural University and Ryukoku University Collaborate to Launch Practical Regional Research Program 'Kyotanba Design Camp'

Kyotanba Town, Kyoto Prefecture (Mayor: Genichi Hatanaka) will implement the "Kyotanba Design Camp," a practical regional research program where university students conduct surveys, dialogue, and project planning in local communities.

Approximately 30 students from Kyoto Prefectural University and Ryukoku University are scheduled to participate in this project, working on surveys and project proposals on themes of tourism, related population, and agriculture.

In recent years, amid population decline and an aging society, the importance of a "related population" that continuously engages with regions has been gaining national attention. This project positions students not merely as field workers but as partners who think about solving problems together with the community. By having Kyotanba Town used as a university research field, the aim is to create valuable relationships for both the region and the universities.

Furthermore, proposals generated through this project will be aimed at implementation in the region, considering demonstration experiments, commercialization, and even fundraising for continued development.

About Kyotanba Design Camp

The Kyotanba Design Camp is a practical program where university students stay in the region and conduct surveys, interviews, and project planning.

Students deeply understand regional issues through dialogue with local residents, business operators, and administrative staff, and challenge themselves to create proposals that leverage their expertise and perspectives.

In fiscal year 2026, research and proposal activities will focus on the following three themes:

・Tourism

・Related population

・Agriculture and local industry

Kyotanba Town emphasizes an attitude of thinking together with the region and drawing the future through trial and error, rather than asking students for complete answers.

Preliminary Workshop

As a kickoff for the project, a preliminary workshop for participating students will be held.

Date and Time

Saturday, June 13, Reiwa 8 (2026), 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Venue

Ryukoku University, Fukakusa Campus, Building 22, Room 107

https://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/about/campus_traffic/fukakusa.html

Participating Universities

・Kyoto Prefectural University

・Ryukoku University, Faculty of Policy Science

・Ryukoku University, Faculty of Psychology

Contents

・Overview of Kyotanba Town and sharing of regional issues
　・Exchange with local residents and workshop
　・Discussion of future survey and research themes

On the day, local business operators will also participate in a workshop that combines regional issues, social interests, and needs of the related population to consider the region's potential, preparing for the main program in August.

Future Schedule

Saturday, June 13, Reiwa 8 (2026)

Kyotanba Design Camp 2026 "Preliminary Workshop"

Tuesday, August 25 to Thursday, August 27, Reiwa 8 (2026)
Kyotanba Design Camp 2026 "On-site Fieldwork"

[Reference] Ryukoku University Press Release

https://www.ryukoku.ac.jp/nc/news/entry-18620.html

Comment from the Mayor of Kyotanba Town

Kyotanba Town has been working to create a related population that continuously connects with the region through engagement with universities, companies, fan club members, and various other people.

This Kyotanba Design Camp is a challenge for students to experience the real issues and attractions of the region while thinking together about the future. We have high expectations for students' flexible ideas and new perspectives.

We also value not just receiving proposals but connecting them to subsequent practice and relationship building with the region. We hope this project becomes an opportunity for new learning and growth for both students and the region, leading to the creation of a continuous related population in the future.

Kyotanba Town, Kyoto Prefecture

Kyotanba Town is located in the upper reaches of the Yura River system on the Tamba Plateau in central Kyoto Prefecture. Forests cover over 80% of the area, boasting magnificent nature.

Blessed with conditions for delicious crops, such as "Tamba fog" that makes vegetables juicy and temperature differences between day and night that lock in flavor, the town has nurtured specialty products known as the "Tamba brand." Leading with "Kyotanba chestnuts," which have a history of being offered to the imperial court and shogunate, products like "black soybeans," "Tamba matsutake mushrooms," and "Kyotanba shimeji mushrooms" are all rich in flavor. It is also one of Kyoto's leading livestock and dairy farming areas, truly a "food treasure trove" supporting Kyoto's gourmet culture.

In October 2023, the town announced a town promotion policy. With the keyword "GREEN GREEN," it aims to spread beyond the boundaries of the "town" as a "community connected by feelings" to Kyoto, all over Japan, and the world.