[Okayama University] Okayama University-originated ventures and Kumenan Town collaborate to hold an experiential event to rethink "living" and "happiness" through intergenerational exchange

Okayama University (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Okayama City; President: Tomohiro Nasu) and Kumenan Town, Okayama Prefecture, held a participatory event on February 21 and 28, 2026, where students and local residents interacted across generations to experience advanced technology and the local natural environment. This initiative was conducted as part of the Cabinet Office's "Regional Core University Innovation Creation Environment Strengthening Project" and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "J-PEAKS" program. The project was planned with the participation of university students and student-led ventures, Turbine Inc. and Aqzoo Inc., aiming to create new forms of regional interaction by having students and residents learn together on equal footing. In the "Smartphone x AI Experience Course" held on the morning of the 21st, seven residents participated. Students sat next to each participant to provide hands-on guidance, covering everything from basic smartphone operations to utilizing generative AI like ChatGPT. In the afternoon, the "Biodiversity x Well-being Kumenan Town Experience Workshop" was held with 25 participants. They conducted fieldwork in the rich satoyama and fields of Kumenan, learning experientially how interaction with nature affects individual well-being. On the second day, the 28th, as a practical follow-up to the AI course, five students from Tsuyama National College of Technology joined as supporters to introduce methods for creating senryu and images using generative AI. During the experience of colorizing old black-and-white photos using AI, participants shared memories of past lifestyles and local history with students, fostering intergenerational exchange. Through these experiences—preserving memories via digital technology and engaging in dialogue within nature—participants gained a valuable opportunity to re-examine the nature of "living" and "happiness" in their community. Okayama University will continue to leverage its partnership with Kumenan Town to act as a "Think & Action Tank," advancing practical solutions to regional issues.