[Selected by the Japan Tourism Agency] From Kagawa to the World: Otemae Takamatsu High School and Tokotoko Earth Jointly Develop an Overseas Educational Program to Foster Next-Generation Leaders

Tokotoko Earth Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan; CEO: Ai Toda), a company that creates journeys centered on "meeting people and learning through travel," has jointly developed an overseas educational program with teachers from Otemae Takamatsu High School (Takamatsu, Kagawa).

This program was selected for the Japan Tourism Agency's "Support Project for Adding Value to Overseas Educational Travel Programs." The development was carried out with the cooperation of local organizations and the Japan Tourism Agency, under the guidance of experts, including Kazuhiko Serizawa, a specialist in inquiry-based education and a high school English teacher. As a result, student recruitment and the implementation of the program began in the following academic year.

In Cambodia, students visited NPOs and factories promoting job creation and a sustainable circular economy. Through observation, hands-on experiences, and dialogue with local people, they deeply explored social issues and the concept of a sustainable society. After returning to Japan, they held a learning conference to share their findings from the program.

This experience fostered a sense of ownership, which is essential for entrepreneurship.

From a Local College Preparatory School to Producing Global Leaders

In recent years, the educational landscape in Japan has increasingly demanded not just the acquisition of knowledge, but also the ability to proactively confront social issues and create new value.

Otemae Takamatsu High School was planning a new educational course to cultivate leaders with the entrepreneurship needed to build a sustainable region and society. This program was selected by the Japan Tourism Agency as part of an educational initiative that goes beyond mere college entrance exam preparation and collaboration with local companies, aiming to broaden students' horizons to the world.

After the program's selection, teachers visited Cambodia to observe the activities of local people working in education and community building. The dialogues and experiences there significantly impacted the teachers' own values, strengthening their desire for their students to also experience the world firsthand. Based on this experience, activities such as a village homestay and a visit to the IKTT factory were added, and the program was implemented as this overseas study tour.

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