International and Japanese students learned about sake together from lecturers of HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD. in the course, Niigata University G-code subject “Intercultural Collaborative Learning B: Business Communication in a Globalized World”

International and Japanese students learned and discussed the global expansion of sake and its tourism industry together under the guidance of lecturers from HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD. in the course, Niigata University G-code subject “Intercultural Collaborative Learning B: Business Communication in a Globalized World” (Registration code: 240G3759)” (*1) offered by International Exchange Center, Institute of Global Affairs, Niigata University (Faculty in charge: MENG Yun, Ph.D., Associate Professor of International Exchange Center).

The lecture was held over two weeks at Niigata University Ikarashi campus. The lecturers, Mr. SAITO Kiyoto, Senior Manager and Ms. TSUZUKI Ayano, Manager of International Sales & Marketing Dept., HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD., gave lectures on the basics of sake brewing, company introduction, the company’s passion and philosophy for sake brewing, its extensive product lineup, initiatives and expansion for overseas business and the tourism industry of “Uonuma no Sato” where is run by HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD. Then, the workshop was held on the theme of “Expanding the overseas business of sake globally,” and participating students deepened their learning through group work, presentations, and discussions on industry-academia collaboration.
At the beginning of the 2nd week’s lecture, ONO Yoshiko, Ph.D., Head of Promotion Office, Sakeology Center / Specially Appointed Professor, gave an introduction focusing on the center’s educational initiatives.

After the above lectures and workshop, 24 students visited HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD. and their campus, “Uonuma no Sato” as a fieldwork and learned about the company’s sake brewing process, how to pass down traditional technique to the next generation through a tour of Yukimuro (snow cellar) and sake brewery on December 21st, 2024. Especially during the sake brewery tour, students had an opportunity to look at the process of Koji-making by hands which is one of the most important processes on sake making for HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD.
In addition, at the 2nd workshop held on-site, through sake tasting and a tour of “Uonuma no Sato,” participants actively exchanged opinions from various perspectives on the preservation of the traditions of sake and its overseas expansion, as well as the expansion of “Uonuma no Sato”‘s inbound business as a tourism industry, contributing to global and regional revitalization, providing a valuable opportunity for learning and discussion.
Participating students commented, “These collaborative lectures and workshops, sake brewery and Uonuma no Sato sightseeing tour are the best memories in Niigata and Niigata University.”

Lecture by Mr. SAITO Kiyoto, Senior Manager of International Sales & Marketing Dept.,
HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD.

Introduction of the Sakeology Center by ONO Yoshiko, Ph.D., Head of Promotion Office, Sakeology Center / Specially Appointed Professor

Sake brewery tour at HAKKAISAN BREWERY CO., LTD.

On-site workshop

Sake tasting

Souvenir photo

(*1) This course utilizes Team-Based Learning (TBL) and Problem-Based/Project-Based Learning (PBL) methodologies. Students collaborate on projects that focus on regional revitalization, contemporary business topics that local areas prioritize, or globalization challenges presented by local companies or communities. Such hands-on projects offer students simulated work experiences early in their academic careers. It is offered in the 3rd period on Thursdays during the 3rd and 4th terms.