Hidden Opportunity Pursuit (HOP)
Creating opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and business
In alignment with the recognition of traditional Japanese sake brewing as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Hitotsubashi University partnered with Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau, Katori City, and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to launch a project-based learning module focused on this culturally significant field.
Hidden Opportunity Pursuit is an open program for HU exchange and degree-seeking students that explores the opportunities and challenges facing Japanese sake breweries through hands-on, interactive discussions with industry professionals. The program also examines how the combined strengths of sake brewing and local tourism can be leveraged to promote sustainable regional development.
For more details about HOP 2026, refer to the program descriptions.
Reference: Past “Hidden Opportunity Program” Overview
Site Visit Schedule (Early March)
Day 1 |
Team Building/Orientation/Interview Planning (on HU Campus) |
Day 2 |
AM：Bus from Kodaira to Nabedana Sake Brewery in Kozaki, Chiba
PM: Brewery Visit, Interview with CEO, Sake Tasting (Overnight Stay at a traditional Farmhouse) |
Day 3 |
AM: Tourism Center Visit and Interview in Sawara, Chiba PM：Sawara Historic Town Walk/Integration Time for Proposal Preparation Return Home |
Student Presentations (Late March)
March 25, 2025 [Presentation Digest] (14 minutes)
- Opening Remarks [Presentation]
- Team A: 2-day adventure of Sawara/Katori Tour Plan for International Students [Presentation] [PPT]
- Team B: Lights, Camera, Action:（Making of）Sake Tourism Promotion Video [Presentation] [PPT][Short Video] [Long Video]
- Team C: Bringing Something New to Your Garden Party [Presentation] [PPT][Recipe]
- Closing Remarks [Presentation]
March 26, 2024
- Reflection Movie on Sake Brewery Visit [PDF] [Watch on YouTube]
- Promoting International Travelers to Katori Region [PDF]
- Food and Sake Pairing Ideas from Overseas Perspectives [PDF]
- Student Participants/Credits [PDF]
Media Coverage
- Chiba Television news CHIBA (March 5, 2025)
- JETRO Global Eye (June 6, 2024)
- FNN Live News α (March 26, 2024)
- Chiba Daily (March 15, 2024)
- Nikkei Online (March 8, 2024)
