September 1st , 2022
Japan-ASEAN Online program towards SDGs
Understanding depopulation issues and rural developmentfrom cases of rural area in Okayama prefecture in Japan.
Overview:
Depopulation in the region has started not only in Japan but also in ASEAN countries. In thisprogramme, based on the case of Yakage-city, Okayama Prefecture, and other examples, theparticipants will consider the challenges and countermeasures faced by the region. Moreover,by sharing examples from ASEAN countries through group work, the participants figure out
the challenges and specific rmeasures faced by depopulation areas in ASEAN countries.
Objectives:
1. To share and deepen our understanding of the depopulation issues faced by Japan andASEAN countries.
2. To develop specific action plans to solve the challenges in the rural areas
3. To deepen understanding of other countries through group work with participantsfrom Japan and ASEAN countries.
Expected outcomes:
1. Participants will be able to understand the issues of depopulation that Japan andASEAN countries face.
2. Participants will figure out what needs to be done to address the issue of depopulationin Japan and the ASEAN countries.
3. Participants will enhance their cross-cultural competency through interaction withparticipants from Japan and ASEAN countries.
Program schedule:
October 11th (Tue) -14th (Fri), 2022
Date & time
Day1thOctober 11 (Tue)17:00-18:00 (JST)Day2 & Day 3th
October 12 (Wed)th
13 (Thu)

Day 4thOctober 14 (Fri)17:00-18:30
18:30-19:30

Contents
1. Opening remarks (Prof. Takayoshi SUZUKI, Executive Director, SixERS)
2. Message (Dr Choltis DHIRATHITI, Executive Director, AUN)
3. Real-time lecture (Dr Takao INAMORI, Okayama University)- Orientation, lecture, Icebreaking and grouping
Watching on-demand video material and completing the assignment
1. Data collection and analysis by Group work
2. Figure out issues and countermeasures in depopulated areas in Japan andASEAN countries.
3. Prepare PowerPoint slides to explain the issues and countermeasures*Break-out room for group work will be provided between 16:00-19:00.
**Dr. INAMORI will supervise the group work during the time.
1. Real-time lecture (Group presentation, Wrap-up session)
2. Message (Prof. Takayoshi SUZUKI, Executive Director, SixERS)
3. Closing remarks (Dr Choltis DHIRATHITI, Executive Director, AUN)
(Optional) Cross-cultural meal

The ground rule for the group work:
Group work will proceed according to the following ground rules to implement a meaningful
and effective programme.
1.
2.
3.
4.

A facilitator chosen within the group will organise the group work.
The facilitator actively seeks input from participants who refrain from speaking.
Use plain English as much as possible
Remember "Leave no one behind", which is the SDGs transformative promise.

Related SDGs goals:

Organisers:
Okayama University, SUN/SixERS
Targeted participants:
Students from AUN and SUN/SixERS member universities who are interested in SDGs,
especially depopulation issues and rural development.
Language:
EnglishPlatform:
Real-time lectures will be held on Zoom.
Certification:
After completing the program, participants will receive certificates issued by AUN and SixERS
if their attendance rate is more than 80%.
Criteria for recruitment:
The number of students to be admitted to the program is 65. (50 from AUN, 15 from SixERS）
In case of too many applications, we will select participants based on their reasons for applicationand English scores.
Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email by September 30, 2022.