On July 7th, 2025, after months of intensive preparation, a dedicated team of undergraduates from Nanjing University—spanning the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Environment, School of Journalism and Communication, and other related disciplines, has departed for Toyota City, Japan.

Initiated by NJU and supported by Nagoya University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies, this field research team will investigate the tripartite dynamics and co-governance mechanisms between government, businesses, and communities in Toyota City. Using the "Community Problem Visualization" concept, the team will examine successful practices and current challenges within Japan's local sustainable development efforts.

The groundwork began in early May under the guidance of faculty advisors Prof. Anxin Zhu and Dr. Yang Yang. Prof. Nobuhiko Nibe from Nagoya University provided crucial logistical planning. After the semester exams, rapid progress ensued. All working groups achieved substantial progress in their respective tasks. During the online sessions, the Logistics, Publicity, Documentation, and Theory Groups delivered progress reports, which fostered cross-team collaboration and manifested a synergistic effect throughout the virtual meetings.

Countless meetings, late-night research sessions, and intellectual debates culminated in the team's departure on July 7th. Equipped with NJU's spirit of rigorous inquiry and the analytical lens of sociology, the team is now immersed in the field within Toyota City. Its goal is to uncover valuable insights into sustainable community governance through deep engagement with local stakeholders.

Source: NJU School of Social and Behavioral Sciences