Asia Future Leaders Scholarship Program (AFLSP) Service Learning 2026

Inheritance of Traditional Culture and Contemporary Challenges: Using Miyama-cho as an Example (伝統文化の継承と現代の課題―美山町を例に)

October 10 (Sat) to 12 (Mon, holiday), 2026 (three days, two nights)

The aim is to expand the horizons of international students by allowing them to directly experience the charms and challenges of rural areas in Japan, providing them opportunities to gain deep insights into intercultural understanding and sustainability. Specifically, we are planning the following (but not limited to these):

1. Understanding and Respecting Traditional Culture: By allowing international students to experience traditional culture and lifestyles in Japan's rural areas, we aim to broaden their international perspectives and deepen their respect and understanding of culture.
2. Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion: By exposing students to unique regional cultures and traditions, we provide an opportunity for them to realize the value of diversity and reflect on the importance of accepting and collaborating with people from different cultural backgrounds.
3. Understanding the Reality of Aging and Declining Birthrates: Students will witness firsthand the issue of an aging population and declining birthrates, which is a realistic challenge in rural areas. They will delve deeper into the impacts and problems faced by the local community, learning beyond what is taught in traditional school education.
4. Promotion of Sustainable Development: Contrary to popular tourist destinations, students will appreciate the charm and value of rural areas. They will also reflect on the negative impacts brought about by environmental changes and overtourism, and contemplate methods of sustainable tourism and agricultural development.

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10 scholars/alumni (5 male and 5 female), 1 Japanese students (female), 1 supervisor (male), * = group leader (chosen by Japanese ability)

To group leaders, please organize your group during the transportation and other activities such as discussion. See Pre-Program also.

Please complete the pre-learning, interview, and report in groups. For interview, please prepare three to four questions to ask or discuss during the interview with local people. We ask each member contributes to a unique task during the interview such as management/time keeper, interviewing, writing memo, writing the final report, etc.

Reference fo pre-learning

https://kyototamba-vc.com/db/

Please fill the next table with questions for interview before Oct 10th. Please feel free to change the topics to what you are interested in learning.

• 12:00-13:00, Oct 8th (Zoom), including program explanation, Q&A, etc.
• We designed the Competence sheet for this program. Please check it before the SL and submit the first sheet after the SL.

1. 歯ブラシ Tooth brush
2. バスタオル、ハンドタオル Bath towel and hand towel
3. パジャマ Night wear
4. 着替え spare cloths
5. （農作業のための）汚れてもよい靴、服　Cloth and shoes that you can get dirty (for farming)
6. 薄手の羽織りもの、カーディガンなど　※朝晩は冷えて寒いです。10℃くらい Warm wear like Jacket, cardigan, etc (It is cold in the morning and at night. The temperature is about 10 degree centigrade.)
7. 雨具 Umbrella
8. 帽子 ※昼間は暑いです。It is pretty hot during the day time.
9. モバイルバッテリー（あれば） Mobile battery if you need
10. 携帯電話/スマホ（充電器・ケーブルもお忘れなく） Mobile phone or smart phone (don't forget the charger and cable)
11. お金 Money
12. 身分証明書（免許や在留カード等） ID card (e.g., residence card)
13. 筆記用具（ノート・紙とペン） Notebook/Paper and pen
14. ビニール袋数枚（ゴミなどに） Plastic bags (for garbage etc)
15. マスク、絆創膏、虫・蚊よけスプレー、（該当者）薬，コンタクトレンズなど Face mask, bandage, bug/mosquito spay, medicine (if needed), contact lens, etc
16. 記録や発表に必要なら、ラップトップパソコンまたはタブレット Laptop or tablet if needed for taking memo or doing presentation
17. その他必要なもの，ただし必要最小限に．Others necessary (keep them the minimum)

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