From September 17 to 22, 2025, the “2025 Regional Co-creation Study” was held over four days in Sakai and Ibaraki City. Participants had a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of fields, including history, culture, social welfare, and urban planning, gaining insight into the unique attractions and challenges of these regions.
Day 1 (Wednesday, September 17)
In the morning, participants visited the Shimano Bicycle Museum in Sakai City. With support from the Sakai City Tourism Volunteer Association, they toured exhibits ranging from historic bicycles to the latest models featuring advanced bicycle component technology. In the afternoon, the group visited the Gunsmith House and the Enami Cutlery Factory. They observed traditional manufacturing processes and examined finished products, including matchlock guns and high-quality knives.
Day 2 (Thursday, September 18)
In the morning, with continued support from the Sakai City Tourism Volunteer Association, participants strolled through the tumuli in Daisen Park and then visited the Sakai City Museum. In the afternoon, they participated in a traditional tea ceremony at Myokokuji Temple, set in a beautiful Japanese garden. Guided by a tea ceremony instructor, each participant prepared their own green tea and enjoyed traditional Japanese sweets. Later, the group visited Sakai City Hall and took in the panoramic views of the city from the observation tower.
Day 3 (Friday, September 19)
The morning was dedicated to a lecture on Ibaraki City’s social welfare system held at OIC. In the afternoon, participants visited the Kita-Osaka Social Welfare Facility (Keitokukai), where they observed elderly care services, special nursing homes, and childcare facilities, gaining a deeper understanding of local welfare efforts.
Day 4 (Monday, September 22)
On the final day, participants visited Ibaraki City Hall for a lecture on urban planning and city revitalization, covering projects in the Ibakita area and dam-related developments. In the afternoon, they took a walking tour around Ibaraki City, visited a dam in northern Ibaraki, and experienced crossing Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, which spans 420 meters.
Though the field research only lasted four days, participants had the chance to experience Japanese culture firsthand, explore the distinctive features and initiatives of Sakai and Ibaraki cities, and learn about local tourism facilities and community revitalization efforts. This experience will be valuable for their future research and projects.