Nitobe College will open the final presentation of Global Advanced Course II: Foundations and Practice of Problem Finding to the public. Presented in collaboration with the Hokkaido University 150th Anniversary Project, this session highlights the culmination of the students’ Action Research projects.

In this interactive English poster session, student researchers will showcase their findings on the barriers faced by Sapporo residents and visitors. The teams have investigated specific challenges related to “Navigating Sapporo,” ranging from physical mobility in winter to cultural adaptation and mental well-being.

Student Research Topics

• Transport Barriers: Analyzing the obstacles commuters face during the peak tourist season on the subway and trains.
• Winter Safety: Investigating the challenges faced by residents and visitors lacking appropriate winter footwear in snowy conditions.
• Dietary Inclusivity: Identifying the primary problems for individuals seeking vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options.
• Social Culture: Examining the difficulties students and workers face regarding Nomikai (drinking party) culture.
• Mental Health: Addressing the barriers university students face in understanding and managing winter depression.
• Language Accessibility: Exploring the obstacles non-Japanese speakers encounter when dining at local restaurants.

Event Information

Date

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Program

16:30 – 18:00: Student Poster Presentations

18:00 – 18:30: Guest Speaker Lecture

Venue

Room S5 (1F), S-Building, Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education

Language

English

Guest Speaker

In addition to student presentations, Dr. Teruyuki Tsuji from Hiroshima University will deliver a lecture on the dynamics of migration and community building.

Dr. Tsuji’s research focuses on the interplay between immigration and faith, exploring how diverse populations reconstruct their traditions to build “social capital” and foster civic engagement. Drawing on his ethnographic fieldwork with diaspora populations—ranging from the Caribbean to Asian immigrants in Japan—he will discuss the complexities of adaptation in new environments. His lecture will provide a deep dive into “Problem Finding” within social structures, offering students and visitors a framework for understanding how different communities navigate cultural and social barriers.