Details of the Initiative
The OKUYAMA Masayuki Seminar has actively contributed to the SDGs, through initiatives that emphasize both research and practice.
Research activities focused on “SDGs and Purpose” in FY 2023 and “SDGs and Open Innovation” in FY 2024, with papers published each year. The paper “Local Open Innovation Driven by Producership,” won the Grand Award at the 10th SDGs Student Essay Award by Sumitomo Riko. It highlighted the crucial role of producers in developing and expanding local industries, based on a demonstration experiment aimed at promoting the sales of Tsurushi-gaki (dried persimmon), a specialty product of Minamiechizen Town in Fukui Prefecture. The other paper, “Open Innovation and Regional Revitalization Starting with ‘Compassion’,” was also recognized with the Excellence Award.
As a practical activity, the Seminar developed a place-branding project in Okuma Town, Fukushima Prefecture, showcasing local resources such as picture books and kiwifruits. This initiative won the Grand Prix at the Tourism Town Planning Contest. As a first step in this project, Seminar members participated in Ethical Design Week Tokyo 2024, an event themed around resource upcycling and regional revitalization, where they hosted a wreath-making workshop using kiwifruit branches.
