【2025 NTU x PASONA Traineeship】 Awaji - Revitalizing a Timeless Island

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 , a serene retreat integrating mindfulness with sustainable tourism;

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 , 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, considered Japan’s oldest shrine; Hokudan Earthquake Memorial Park , 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.