Report

A short-term Intensive Study Program program aimed at addressing issues in the Pacific Island region through collaboration among Okinawa, Hawaiʻi, and Taiwan was held over a 10-day period from August 13 to August 22, 2025.

The program was conducted jointly with Ryudai Summer Program. A total of 30 students participated, including 15 students from this program—eight from the University of the Ryukyus, five from partner institutions in Hawaiʻi, and two from partner institutions in Taiwan.

The program combined lectures from both the humanities and sciences with group projects and fieldwork, providing participants with an intensive opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and natural environment of Okinawa. Through academic sessions and cultural activities, students deepened their mutual understanding while exploring the wisdom and perspectives of island communities and the importance of coexistence.

【Program Overview】

【Program Period】August 13 – August 22, 2025 (10 days)
【Locations】University of the Ryukyus and various sites across Okinawa Prefecture

【Program Highlights】
　Lecture and Fieldwork
・Opening Ceremony, Orientation, and Ice-breaking Activities
・Opening Lecture: “How Can SDGs Make Us Work Together in Okinawa?”
　KINA Ikue, President of the University of the Ryukyus
・Lecture 1: “Assessing Human Impacts on Marine Ecosystems in Okinawa, Japan”
　Prof. REIMER James Davis (Faculty of Science)
・Lecture 2: “Towards the Future of Fisheries: Sustainable Synergy between Land-based Aquaculture and
　Agriculture” Visit to the University of the Ryukyus Land-based Aquaculture Facility
　Prof. TAKEMURA Akihiro (Faculty of Science)
・Lecture 3: “Exploring the Wonders of Condensed Matter Physics and Cultural Heritage Science through
　the Lens of Science”
　Lecturer KOBAYASHI Riki (Faculty of Science)
・Lecture 4: “Ethnobotany – The Science of Survival: Learning from Island Communities: The Importance
　of Plants to the Hawaiian and Ryukyu People”
　Prof. YAMAMOTO Brian (Kaua‘i Community College)
・Workshop 1: “Why Does Gender Equality Matter for All of Us?”
　NAGAMINE Hidemi, Coordinator (Gender Equality Promotion Office)
・Workshop 2: “Okinawan Food Workshop”
　Led by students participating in the 2025 Hawaiʻi short-term program
・Final Group Presentations
・Closing Ceremony and Farewell Party

Cultural Activities:
・Traditional Eisa performance by the Ryudai Hosei Eisa student group
・Visit to the Sesoko Research Facility, including a lecture by the director and a laboratory tour
・Visit to Ocean Expo Park (Churaumi Aquarium and the Oceanic Culture Museum)
・Bingata dyeing (Okinawa’s traditional craftmanship) workshop at the “Gusuku”
・Visits to the Himeyuri Peace Museum and the Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum

Voice of Participants

Through the short-term program, students exchanged perspectives with peers from partner institutions and reflected on the shared challenges facing Pacific Island communities.

・Strong commitment of students from Hawaiʻi to preserving their language and traditional performing arts left a lasting impression. Inspired a sense of pride in being raised in Okinawa and strengthened the desire to help preserve and pass on Okinawan culture, language, and history.

・During the final group presentation, participants passionately shared the current situations in their respective countries and their perspectives. Working together with students from different cultural backgrounds to complete a project brought a strong sense of accomplishment and highlighted the value of international collaboration.