▌NTU Beyond Borders：走訪日本神話起源之島淡路島，深入探索地方創生與大阪世博的連結
今年暑假，臺大國際處與引水人計畫夥伴 -日本保聖那集團 再度攜手合作，舉辦 「2025淡路島地方創生暑期見習團」，引領學生前往日本地方創生的典範場域 - 淡路島，實地觀察企業如何透過創新策略重振一座面臨人口老化與外移的離島，並深入理解其作為 2025大阪關西世博 策源地的關鍵角色。
本見習團深入參訪大阪世博 PASONA 館 「感謝生命」 主題的設計理念，了解淡路島的過去、現在和未來；另為強化與地方創生產業實務的連結，臺大學生與淡路島青年計畫(AYF) 成員進行深度對話及交流，共同探討地方創生如何透過在地行銷策略及大阪世博實現並激盪創意火花。
此趟亦走訪集團重新活化的多個淡路島創生據點，像是結合身心靜修與觀光轉型的關鍵據點禪坊靜寧、與地方農民合作、對話，從產地到餐桌的實踐中體會在地農業如何結合觀光與教育，創造多元價值的Pasona_Challenge_Farm、運用虛擬分身的遠距職場科技，輔助而非取代人力價值的Avatar_Team，還有走訪安藤忠雄設計的淡路夢舞台、日本最古老神社伊弉諾神宮、北淡震災紀念公園等具歷史與建築意義的地點，體會淡路島作為文化發源地的底蘊。
七天的見習旅程不僅讓學生實地觀察地方創生的運作模式，更在跨文化交流與實作體驗中，學習到如何規劃行銷資源並發掘地方潛能，朝永續願景邁進。
▌NTU Beyond Borders: Journey to Awaji Island, the Mythical Birthplace of Japan – Exploring Regional Revitalization and its Connection to Expo 2025
This summer, NTUOIA, in collaboration once again with our Inguider program partner – Japan’s Pasona Group – proudly launched the 2025 Awaji Island Regional Revitalization Summer Traineeship. This program led students to Awaji Island, a model site for regional revitalization in Japan, where they observed how innovative strategies are helping to rejuvenate a remote island challenged by population aging and outmigration. Students also explored the island’s vital role as an origin hub for Expo 2025.
The program included a visit to the “Thank You Life” Pavilion by PASONA at Expo 2025, where students engaged with its innovative design and learned about Awaji Island’s past, present, and envisioned future. To strengthen ties with industry, NTU students held in-depth dialogues with members of the Awaji Youth Federation (AYF), discussing how local branding and marketing strategies tied to Expo 2025 can serve as catalysts for regional revitalization and spark creative innovations.
The journey also included visits to multiple revitalization sites reinvigorated by the Pasona Group. These included: Zenbo Seinei (禪坊靜寧), a serene retreat integrating mindfulness with sustainable tourism; Pasona Challenge Farm (Pasona_Challenge_Farm), where students engaged with local farmers and explored farm-to-table practices that combine agriculture, tourism, and education to generate diverse community income; Avatar Work Program (Avatar_Team), showcasing remote work technologies using virtual avatars to support—rather than replace—human contributions.
In addition, participants explored culturally and architecturally significant sites such as: Awaji Yumebutai, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando; Izanagi Shrine (伊弉諾神宮), considered Japan’s oldest shrine; Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park (北淡震災紀念公園), reflecting on the island’s resilience, history and memory.
Over the course of this 7-day program, students not only gained insight into the mechanisms of regional revitalization but also engaged in cross-cultural exchange and hands-on learning. The experience equipped them with the skills to plan marketing strategies, unlock local potential, and contribute to long-term sustainable development goals.
