Hidden Opportunity Pursuit (HOP)

Creating opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and business

Pending UNESCO’s approval for Intangible Cultural Heritage registration of traditional Japanese sake brewing, Hitotsubashi University partnered with Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to develop a project-based learning module on this culturally significant topic. Students will engage in discussions with company executives and employees to uncover various opportunities and challenges faced by Japanese sake breweries and propose solutions for overseas outreach. For more information, refer to the past program descriptions.

 

Site Visit Schedule (Early March)

*subject to change due to weather condition and site availability

Day 1  

PM: 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 26, 2024

  1. Reflection Movie on Sake Brewery Visit [PDF] [Watch on YouTube]
  2. Promoting International Travelers to Katori Region [PDF]
  3. Food and Sake Pairing Ideas from Overseas Perspectives [PDF]
  4. Student Participants/Credits [PDF]

 

Media Coverage

  1. Nikkei Online (March 8, 2024)
  2. Chiba Daily (March 15, 2024)
  3. FNN Live News α (March 26, 2024)
  4. JETRO Global Eye (June 6, 2024)