On July 17th, 2025, the 10-day global research carried out by undergraduate students from Nanjing University's School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Environment, School of Journalism and Communication, and other related disciplines, concluded in Toyota City, Japan. The team returns with extensive fieldwork data for further academic analysis. This project, jointly organized with Nagoya University's Graduate School of Environmental Studies and co-supervised by Prof. Anxin Zhu and Dr. Yang Yang, analyzed the multi-party dynamics and co-governance mechanisms in Toyota City involving government, enterprises, communities, and social organizations. Using the "Community Problem Visualization" concept, the project evaluated successful local sustainable development practices and examined current challenges in Japan.

As soon as the research team arrived on July 7, their fieldwork began in full swing. Key activities included:

• July 8: Tour of Toyota Kaikan Museum for corporate insights; interviews at Toyota International Association on foreign resident integration and multicultural coexistence; field data collection on community spaces, NPO operations, and population aging at Kamiyoga Community.

• July 9: Consultations at Toyota City Hall by the Regional Exchange Division and the City Planning Division on Waku-Waku project and regional governance; documentation of NGO activities at Citizen Activity Center; lectures at Nagoya University by managers of Toyota's Volunteer Center and Social Contribution Department on corporate social contribution activities.

• July 10: Study of self-governance mechanisms at Fukadayama Community; lectures by Toyota's Future Urban Planning Division and Mutual Support Division on municipal problem-solving frameworks.

• July 11: Study of Brazilian immigrant inclusion/exclusion dynamics at Homi Community; examination of community support networks and Waku-Waku project at Higashiyama Community.

• July 13: After a scheduled break, visit to Yokkaichi Environmental Future Museum for the history of pollution reduction; interviews of environmental co-governance mechanisms and Kids Kitchen program at Kusu Community.

During the post-fieldwork synthesis sessions from July 14 to 16, students analyzed the field data on community governance initiatives by various stakeholders, examining them against Japan's pressing societal challenges – an aging population, declining regional vitality, difficulties in immigrant integration, and environmental concerns. This prepared the students for their July 16 presentation at Nagoya University, where they presented research findings to Japanese professors and students. After that, team members expressed their respect and gratitude to Prof. Nobuhiko Nibe in Japanese under the guidance of Sato Kaho, followed by a collective rendition of Nanjing University's anthem. Then the team attended a farewell reception hosted by Nagoya University, where mutual understanding and friendship were strengthened, bringing the transnational academic collaboration to a fitting conclusion.

Post-fieldwork research will be advanced through rigorous data analysis targeting high-quality academic output. This program has yielded valuable insights into sustainable community development while enhancing students' global perspectives, cross-cultural research competencies, and social responsibility – embodying Nanjing University's commitment to combining academic rigor with real-world engagement.