On May 8th, Community Engagement Workshop A welcomed Chuck Kayser as a guest speaker. Chuck shared his journey as an organic farmer, educator, and community member who has dedicated many years to creating a more sustainable relationship between people, food, and the environment.

Chuck explained that he began gardening about 15 years ago in the mountains of Shiga Prefecture without much prior knowledge of farming. What started as a small personal interest gradually developed into a deep passion for growing food and living close to nature. Over time, he founded Midori Farm and has continued to welcome visitors, volunteers, and students from around the world to learn about organic farming and sustainable living.

During the lecture, Chuck spoke honestly about both the rewards and difficulties of organic farming. He explained that farming is not an idealized lifestyle, but rather a continuous process of learning, adapting, and struggling together with nature. One memorable topic was the challenge of wild animals damaging crops. In response to a student question about how he deals with attacks from monkeys and other animals, Chuck shared candidly that he still struggles with monkeys stealing food from the farm. However, instead of giving up, he sees these experiences as part of living within a larger ecosystem and continues to pursue his path as an organic farmer.

Students also asked practical questions such as how university students can live more sustainably and which vegetables are easy or difficult to grow. Chuck encouraged students to begin with small and realistic actions in their daily lives, such as paying attention to where food comes from, supporting local or organic producers when possible, reducing unnecessary consumption, and reconnecting with nature through direct experiences. Regarding farming, he explained that some vegetables are relatively easy to grow, while others require more knowledge, patience, and protection from weather and animals, but that the process itself teaches valuable lessons about life and interdependence.

Chuck also introduced his farms in Keihoku and Shiga and shared how he sells his vegetables at Woody Keihoku, the local Michi no Eki roadside station. It was interesting for students to learn about the local systems and relationships that support small-scale organic farming, and Chuck warmly invited students to visit his fields in the future. Another particularly inspiring part of his talk was his project of inviting artists to stay and create artworks at the farm. Students were inspired to learn that not only farming itself, but also art and creative expression, can become part of a broader movement toward sustainability and community building.

A particularly inspiring part of the lecture was Chuck’s reflection on why he chose organic farming despite its difficulties. He described organic farming not simply as an occupation, but as an attitude and ethical choice. Rather than pursuing the most profitable industry, he chose what he believes is a healthier and more wholesome way of living on the Earth. He also connected farming to broader economic systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing actions that support sustainability and ecological responsibility.

Throughout the session, students were able to hear not only technical knowledge about farming, but also deeper reflections on lifestyle, values, community, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. Chuck’s honest and thoughtful stories encouraged students to reflect on their own ways of living and the meaning of sustainability in everyday life.

We sincerely thank Chuck Kayser for sharing his experiences and insights with our students.

Embracing Roots and Routes: A Powerful Talk by Miho Kitagawa Pedroso

The Department of Global Studies was pleased to welcome Miho Kitagawa Pedroso, Founder and Director of immi lab, for an inspiring lecture on April 28, 2026.

Titled “Embracing Your Roots & Routes: Design Your Unique Perspective to Change Society,” the talk invited students to reflect deeply on their experiences and future paths. Drawing from her own journey across disciplines—from chemistry and engineering to design research and ethnography—Miho encouraged students to embrace uncertainty and see value in diverse experiences. Her message was clear: our personal histories (“roots”) and the paths we choose (“routes”) can become powerful tools for meaningful social impact.

Beyond her personal story, the lecture shed light on an important issue: the experiences of youth with immigrant backgrounds. Many of these young people, despite being born and raised in Japan, feel social isolation and challenges in shaping their identities.

Through the work of immi lab, Miho and her team are actively addressing this gap. Initiatives such as Projeto Ponte create spaces for dialogue between immigrant youth and Japanese society, fostering mutual understanding and empowering young people to build resilience and envision their futures.

The lecture was very important for our students, not only helping raising their awareness of structural social challenges but also encouraging them to think critically about their own roles in society.
We extend our gratitude to Miho for her inspiring talk.

https://www.immilab.org

#Kufs,#GlobalStudies, #GuestLecture, #Changemakers

We were pleased to welcome Dr. Mahboubeh (Maha) Rakhshandehroo to the Department of Global Studies at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies.
During her visit, students presented a diverse collection of Digital Design projects - original Virtual Reality (VR) environments that blended cultural research with creative imagination. Creations included:

A Christmas winterscape
A whimsical Barbie World featuring a seven-foot-tall Barbie
Seasonal Halloween landscapes
A Picasso-inspired virtual museum
Collaborative cultural spaces drawing inspiration from Pakistan, Spain, Germany, Brazil, and Italy

These worlds showcased how VR can support techno-vernacular creativity. Each space combined visual design, storytelling, and cultural elements to invite visitors into immersive global experiences.
Dr. Rakhshandehroo remarked that she felt as though she had "traveled to different parts of the world" throughout the presentations. She also shared insights examining how COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) integration in CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) contexts can enhance intercultural competence and English communication skills. Her COIL-CLIL research connects well with what our Digital Design Lab students are doing through their VR projects. VR and virtual exchange share common strengths: both foster active learning, expand cultural horizons, and lower barriers to participation.
The visit concluded with a discussion on future possibilities for COIL collaborations linking KUFS with international partners. By combining VR design with COIL practice, students can deepen global engagement through shared creative production, story-building, and dialogue.