Why I Took the Module

I took the SDGs and Community Marketing module because I thought it would give me new experiences in conceptualizing SDG initiatives, utilizing marketing methods to solve governmental issues, and proposing and implementing such plans.

As an employee of a local government in the Tokyo metropolitan area, I am facing future challenges such as population decline and the dilution of local communities, and I strongly feel the importance of policies that consider local sustainability. To ensure the sustainability of the region, it is necessary to create value in cooperation with various stakeholders and continue providing it in a way that citizens can empathize with. To achieve this, it is essential to understand the position and role of each stakeholder and collaborate with them. I decided to take SDGs and Community Marketing because I wanted to experience how to continue creating sustainable value rather than relying on temporary measures.

What I Learned in the Class

In the 2024 class, we conceptualized and proposed strategies and measures for SDG community activities with the cooperation of Sapporo Holdings Ltd. and Sapporo Breweries Ltd., one of our industry-academia partners. To make concrete proposals, we researched SDG trends in the beer industry based on the activities of each company within the holdings. We also visited YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO at Yebisu Garden Place to experience firsthand the current state of corporate promotions. These experiences helped stimulate the exchange of ideas among group members, leading to proposals for activities that many people could relate to.

What I felt throughout the entire process, from conception to proposal, was the company’s strong passion for “improving the local community.” To realize this passion, I believe it is important to balance logic and empathy in the proposed measures. When these two elements are in harmony, the people involved can find shared value and build sustainable partnerships.

Additionally, I was impressed that we considered collaboration with companies while keeping in mind solutions for the administrative issues we face in our current positions. In my daily work, although I have an awareness of the SDGs, it is difficult to dive into specific corporate research and policy design. By taking on these challenges within the framework of the class, I was able to engage in trial and error to create new value.

How I Want to Apply What I Learned in the Future

As a local government official, I would like to use the knowledge gained from this class to promote SDG-conscious policies and play a role in actively encouraging local industries and citizens to take action. Furthermore, as a global citizen, I want to always think about “what I can do” and “what I should do” and act in ways that gain “empathy” from the community and society.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the partner companies that cooperated with the SDGs and Community Marketing class, as well as Professor Miyazoe for his guidance, and the members who worked alongside me.