(Photos from NUS Japan Study Trip 2011)

Sustainability has become one of the catchwords of our times. However, its overuse threatens its potential for recognizing and shaping long-term strategies that effectively deal with environmental and social concerns. Are there lessons in sustainability to be learned from contemporary Japan? What places, practices, and beliefs in Japan do Singaporeans find worth studying and sharing?

In May 2012, the Department of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore (NUS) held its second annual Field Studies in Japan program. For 10 days, Dr. Chris McMorran guided 13 Singaporean students around the island of Kyushu to explore the idea of sustainable places, through the lens of tourism. The group visited Huis ten Bosch, a Dutch theme park that boasts an innovative water recycling network and green power generation system; Isahaya, site of a controversial land reclamation project; Minamata, infamous for the mercury poisoning disease that carries its name, but also heralded for its efforts to become a “Model City for the Environment”; and villages around the volcanic region of Mt. Aso, where entrepreneurs have developed farmstays, hot springs tourism, and nature-based attractions that draw tourists from around the world.

At this special Japan Creative Centre event, NUS students will discuss their experience and present results from research projects in a short, entertaining format. This event will appeal to anyone interested in Japan, the environment, and the idea of sustainability through the eyes of Singapore’s future.

DATE: Friday, 1st June 2012
TIME: 3:30pm to 5:00pm (Registration begins at 3:00pm)
VENUE: Japan Creative Centre, 4 Nassim Road, Singapore 258372
REGISTRATION: HERE (RSVP by 30th May)


Please register early to avoid disappointment. We regret to inform that as there are limited seating, seats will be confirmed only upon receipt of confirmation email from JCC. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.