GLFP Student-Led Field Trip to Nanbu Town, Aomori
Exploring the Future of Agriculture and Experiencing Life in Rural Japan
From May 30 to 31, 2026, GLFP students organized and participated in a student-led field trip to Nanbu Town in Aomori Prefecture. The program brought together 12 students and 3 faculty/staff members, providing participants with an opportunity to learn about the challenges facing Japanese agriculture and regional communities while engaging directly with local high school students and farming families.
On the first day, the group departed from Tokyo and traveled to Hachinohe, where they enjoyed lunch before visiting Aomori Prefectural Nakui Agricultural High School. During a guided tour led by members of the school’s Agricultural Club, participants learned about agricultural education initiatives and innovative farming practices that reflect the unique characteristics of the region.
The visit was followed by an exchange program with the high school students. After introductions and presentations about their respective schools, participants engaged in group discussions on topics such as agricultural digital transformation (DX) and labor shortages in the agricultural sector. The lively conversations transcended differences in age and background, providing valuable insights into the future of agriculture from multiple perspectives.
Following the exchange program, participants were welcomed by local host families for an overnight farm stay. Students experienced daily life in rural Japan through hands-on agricultural activities and conversations with local farmers about their work, livelihoods, and the challenges they face. The evening provided a unique opportunity for deeper cultural exchange and learning that could not be replicated in a classroom setting.
On the second day, participants enjoyed a traditional local meal at Tochi no Chaya before visiting the scenic Oirase Gorge. Walking along the stream surrounded by fresh greenery, they admired the area’s waterfalls, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking natural beauty, experiencing firsthand one of Aomori’s most celebrated landscapes. The group then visited Oirase Moss Ball Park, where they took part in a hands-on craft workshop using gourds, a specialty product of Nanbu Town.
The trip concluded with a visit to Hanamatsu Shrine before the group returned to Tokyo by Shinkansen from Hachinohe Station.
This field trip provided participants with an opportunity to reflect on regional revitalization from a variety of perspectives, including agriculture, education, and community development. In particular, interactions with students from Nakui Agricultural High School and local farming families allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities in Japan.
Through programs such as this, GLFP continues to provide experiential learning opportunities that encourage students to engage with real-world social issues, broaden their perspectives, and develop the leadership skills needed to make a meaningful impact in society.
