On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, a guest lecture by a course graduate was held for the second-year students of the IM Course at Ritsumeikan Uji High School as part of the “IM Sogo” class.

■ 8th Guest: Ms. Naoko Itazu, 2016 Graduate of the IM Course

This time we welcomed Ms. Naoko Itazu, a 2016 graduate of the IM Course, who currently works at D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO, where she promotes “long-life design rooted in the local area.”

After graduating from the IM Course, Ms. Itazu entered Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU). Although she initially felt uncomfortable with the idea of “business,” she shared that through the inquiry subject Global Leadership Studies (GLS), she learned the value of tackling problems and found it enjoyable to engage with issues. At APU, she participated in various regional revitalization projects, and a key turning point came from her involvement with the local community in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

“Creating new businesses is not the only thing of value. There is much to be learned from long-standing culture and the everyday things that continue to be used.”

This realization became the foundation for her current work related to design and local culture.

>> D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO (Official Website)

■ The Idea of Nurturing Aspirations Through Experience

Looking back on her journey so far, Ms. Itazu shared the following message with students:

“Aspirations are not something to be ‘set’—they are something to be ‘nurtured’ through experience. When you feel even the smallest sense of discomfort, take a moment to pause and ask yourself, ‘Why do I feel this way?’”

Her words served as a source of encouragement for students engaging with the question “What are aspirations?” in their IM Sogo studies.

■ What Students Learned and Reflected On

After the lecture, students shared the following reflections:

Her words, backed by real experience, gave students new perspectives and courage.

■ What is IM Sogo?

In the IM Course, all students spend one year studying abroad between their first and second years of high school. After returning, they reflect on their experiences and consider their future paths and aspirations through a weekly class called “IM Sogo.”

This semester’s theme is:

“Expand Your Horizons”

It encourages students to nurture their aspirations through new encounters and experiences.

As part of this effort, graduates of the IM Course and professionals from diverse fields are invited to provide students with valuable insights into their own futures.