EBA Hokkaido Fieldwork 2023

The EBA Fieldwork Program is an on-site, immersive experience where participants apply the Evidence-Based Approach to real-world issues. The EBA Hokkaido Fieldwork 2023 focuses on Indigenous communities, cultural preservation, environmental diversity, and inclusion in Hokkaido, Japan. Over the course of the program, learners explore the traditions and rights of Indigenous communities, especially the Ainu people, while examining the environmental and social challenges facing the region.

Participants actively apply the EBA method in practice, by learning through field-based data collection, analysis, visualization and storytelling. In this fieldwork, through visits to cultural, educational, industrial, and community sites in Hokkaido, they collect evidence related to Indigenous heritage, environmental challenges, and the social conditions necessary for diversity and inclusion. Participants also reflect on how these experiences can be understood as “resources” to preserve and pass on to the next generation.

By completing this program, learners strengthen their ability to connect research, field evidence, cultural understanding and creative communication in addressing real-world challenges. The experience deepens their awareness of Indigenous communities’ traditions and rights, environmental sustainability, and inclusive society, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the preservation of cultural heritage and the design of diverse and sustainable future societies.

Study Requirement: 90 hours, including pre- and post-fieldwork activities

Topics Covered in This Course

Indigenous Communities and Cultural Preservation: Examining the traditions, rights, and cultural heritage of Indigenous communities in Hokkaido, with particular attention to the Ainu people.
Environmental Diversity and Regional Challenges: Investigating the environmental diversity of Hokkaido and the pressing challenges facing the region through field-based evidence and local perspectives.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Intergenerational Learning: Reflecting on how cultural heritage, environmental knowledge, and local histories can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
Locations Visited: Participants visit and engage with sites and stakeholders including Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. Hokkaido Refinery, Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, Regional Restaurant Grandma in Shiraoi Town, Hokkaido University, the Hokkaido University Museum, and Sapporo field exploration sites.
Field Observations and Reflection: Participants collect evidence through site visits, discussions with local people, group work, and exhibition preparation, then reflect on how their perspectives changed and what actions they can take from now on.

Learning Outcomes

This course offers learners the ability to:

Apply the Evidence-Based Approach (EBA) to real-world field research challenges.
Collect, document, and analyze data using observation, discussion and field-based inquiry.
Communicate findings through reflection, discussion, and evidence-based storytelling.
Understand the current situation related to Indigenous communities’ traditions and rights and pressing environmental challenges in Hokkaido, Japan.
Interpret field evidence in relation to diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and cultural preservation.
Learn new data visualization styles in the form of an art exhibition.
Think together with participants from different backgrounds about diversity and inclusion.

Related Courses

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Prerequisite

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Criteria

This badge was awarded to the learners who completed the following criteria:

Participate in pre-workshop activities in preparation for the fieldwork.
Join the fieldwork and actively participate in all field activities.
Present outcomes of the fieldwork and further developments during the final public presentation.
Successfully complete the fieldwork’s final report.