Culture, Faith and Tradition as a Catalyst for Local Sustainability: Insights from the Ise and Japan Study Programme
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| Title: | Culture, Faith and Tradition as a Catalyst for Local Sustainability: Insights from the Ise and Japan Study Programme |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Huijia Teh (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Comparative Education and Development. 2026 28(2):93-107. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Sustainable Development, Government School Relationship, Global Approach, Educational Cooperation, Foreign Countries, Universities, Local Government, Partnerships in Education, Cultural Influences, Exchange Programs, Beliefs, Heritage Education, Attitudes, Sustainability |
| Geographic Terms: | Japan |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJCED-03-2025-0027 |
| ISSN: | 2396-7404 2309-4907 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This paper presents an elaborated case study of the Ise and Japan Study Programme, an ongoing, decade-long collaboration between Kogakkan University and the Ise local government, as a local university's internationalisation initiative and considers the pathways in which it contributes to local sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a qualitative case study approach combining autoethnographic accounts, content analysis of participant reports and discussions, and interviews with key personnel involved in the organisation of the programme as well as previous participants. The data were thematically analysed to explore how the programme achieves its dual goals: promoting Ise's unique heritage and fostering global connectivity through scholarly exchange. Findings: Findings reveal that the programme deepens participants' understanding of Ise and Japan, stimulates scholarly interest in the region and cultivates affinity towards the region through exclusive experiences and emotions. Reciprocal interaction between participants and local stakeholders further amplifies intercultural understanding and supports co-creation for sustainability. Originality/value: The study presents an original case of a culturally-specific approach to internationalisation, linking spirituality dimensions of the local Shinto faith to discussions on place-based education and sense-of-place. It highlights how local universities in East Asia can leverage cultural resources and international networks to contribute towards addressing regional challenges, illustrating a shift in higher education internationalisation towards inclusivity and community engagement. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506274 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This paper presents an elaborated case study of the Ise and Japan Study Programme, an ongoing, decade-long collaboration between Kogakkan University and the Ise local government, as a local university's internationalisation initiative and considers the pathways in which it contributes to local sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a qualitative case study approach combining autoethnographic accounts, content analysis of participant reports and discussions, and interviews with key personnel involved in the organisation of the programme as well as previous participants. The data were thematically analysed to explore how the programme achieves its dual goals: promoting Ise's unique heritage and fostering global connectivity through scholarly exchange. Findings: Findings reveal that the programme deepens participants' understanding of Ise and Japan, stimulates scholarly interest in the region and cultivates affinity towards the region through exclusive experiences and emotions. Reciprocal interaction between participants and local stakeholders further amplifies intercultural understanding and supports co-creation for sustainability. Originality/value: The study presents an original case of a culturally-specific approach to internationalisation, linking spirituality dimensions of the local Shinto faith to discussions on place-based education and sense-of-place. It highlights how local universities in East Asia can leverage cultural resources and international networks to contribute towards addressing regional challenges, illustrating a shift in higher education internationalisation towards inclusivity and community engagement. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2396-7404 2309-4907 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJCED-03-2025-0027 |
