Thinking about SDGs with university students: Action support project
J:COM, which works together with the local community to provide services, is working to "create a sustainable local community." J:COM channel has been reporting on and reporting on the activities of university students working on the SDGs through a special feature in a local information program called "Thinking about SDGs Week with University Students." We want to continue to learn more about these efforts. We are launching the "Action Support Project" to support the younger generation who are taking on the challenge of diversifying local issues and to develop them together.
We have released a special program that closely follows the final selection process and the activities of the best action team!
(SDGs Action Support Project: Thinking with University Students - Taking on the Challenge of Solving Local Issues -Playback Time: 23:00)
Project overview
Selection process
*Some schedule changes have been made (updated September 20, 2024)
judge
The first selection will be made by J:COM employees. The final selection and poster session will be made by the following experts, guest judges, and JCOM employees.
Guest Judge
Suzu Yamanouchi
Guest Judge
Suzu Yamanouchi
Born on October 3, 2001 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
In 2019, she made her debut in the entertainment industry after appearing in AbemaTV's romance reality show "Don't be fooled by Snow White and the Wolf♡".
She has over 1.1 million followers on social media, and is currently expanding her activities to include TV commercials, terrestrial television programs, and even video productions as an actress.
Experts (marketing and business perspective)
Hiroshi Tanaka, Professor Emeritus, Chuo University
Experts (marketing and business perspective)
Hiroshi Tanaka, Professor Emeritus, Chuo University
He has 21 years of practical experience at Dentsu Inc., including as marketing director at the company, professor at Hosei University's School of Business, visiting researcher at Columbia Business School, and professor at Chuo University Business School, before assuming his current position in 2022.
Experts (from the perspective of ideas and concepts)
Professor Tatsuro Sato of Tama Art University
Experts (from the perspective of ideas and concepts)
Professor Tatsuro Sato of Tama Art University
In 1981, he joined Asahi Tsushinsha Co., Ltd. (later ADK). After working as a copywriter, he was in charge of personnel, organization, training, and vision formulation for the creative department of over 200 people. He currently serves as a professor at Tama Art University and the representative of the Communication Lab.
Experts (regional issues perspective)
Yurusa and Labo
Experts (regional issues perspective)
Yurusa and Labo
Currently working at Odakyu Agency, he is involved in a project to research related population and how it connects communities. While presenting at academic conferences and contributing papers, he also provides solutions to local governments and community organizations in practice.
Result announcement
Best Action
Team name: +mirai
Action name: Scroll of Sorrow
Award comment
We believe that revitalizing regions where regional issues are prominent may lead to a brighter future for Japan. Therefore, we decided to start by conveying the charm of our hometown, Kumamoto, that only those who have actually visited can understand. Specifically, we started the "Nosari no Sho" project, where people write postcards of things that moved them and create a tourist book, so that the next visitor can learn about the memories of the previous visitor in the tourist book, and support a wonderful experience. In the short time available for the final selection meeting, all nine members of our team discussed and decided what we wanted to convey most. In addition to what we have done so far, we will start by spreading this initiative so that we can spread the charm of Kumamoto nationwide.
Team name: Solving Kitakyushu City's problems through food!!
Action name: Eat bamboo?! A proposal for a souvenir from Kitakyushu City's sky gateway
Award comment
With two thoughts in mind: wanting to solve the regional issue of bamboo damage in Kitakyushu City, and wanting to create a souvenir that would take root in Kitakyushu City, we came up with the idea of making "jet black karinto" using bamboo charcoal.
In preparation for the final selection meeting, we made improvements and improvements to create a simple and easy-to-understand poster, and we took on the challenge. As for our future activities, we would like to commercialize the "black karinto" and deliver it to people all over the country as a souvenir from Kitakyushu. We will reach out to local companies to commercialize it and think about concrete measures to make it a reality.
Jury Award: Professor Tanaka (Marketing/Business Perspective)
Student Voting Special Award
Team name: Maruta Seminar, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Soka University
Action name: Efforts to revitalize the region and contribute to the SDGs by effectively utilizing biomass by-products from rice grown in Hachioji
Award comment
I strongly felt that I wanted to do my best to revitalize Hachioji. From now on, the six of us in the seminar will work hard to make this a reality.
Jury Award: Professor Sato (Idea/Conceptual Perspective)
Team name: WAKUWAKU!
Action name: Revitalizing local agriculture through a talent bank specializing in former athletes
Award comment
I will continue to work hard to make this idea a reality and to create a sustainable society.
Final Selection and Poster Session
The final selection was held in the form of a poster session, where participants exchanged opinions with each other, the judges, and J:COM employees. After that, the best action was selected through a judging process.
Guest Judge
Suzu Yamanouchi
Guest Judge
Suzu Yamanouchi
Overall Comments by the Judges
Today, the students came up with a lot of ideas that I never would have imagined, and it was really inspiring. I think we will be tackling various problems in the future, and I am proud that there are people like you in the same generation. I think it is meaningful for the younger generation, who will live for many decades to come, to start something, and I felt that the sense of crisis that only our generation has led to ideas like these. I think there are many people who are inspired by the younger generation who are working on initiatives like yours, so I hope you will continue to support Japan in the future!
Experts (marketing and business perspective)
Hiroshi Tanaka, Professor Emeritus, Chuo University
Experts (marketing and business perspective)
Hiroshi Tanaka, Professor Emeritus, Chuo University
Review
This was my first time as a judge and I got to see the students' proposals. Above all, I would like to commend them for the fact that each proposal was thought up with enthusiasm and was the result of various trials. I was also impressed by how they faced the local issues head-on. With an eye on the future, I would like to offer some advice.
- 1) I think it would be better if you could dig deeper into the background of each issue and why it occurred.
It's difficult to solve a problem if you don't know why it occurred. - 2) I would like you to come up with a lot of ideas and then consider screening them.
I would like you to be enthusiastic enough to come up with at least 100 ideas and then choose from there.
This is because ideas are a matter of numbers.
The proposals I am looking forward to are not just ones that encourage local people, but ones that encourage voluntary local activities and create new value. I hope that you will be conscious of various perspectives and continue to come up with great ideas.
Experts (from the perspective of ideas and concepts)
Professor Tatsuro Sato of Tama Art University
Experts (from the perspective of ideas and concepts)
Professor Tatsuro Sato of Tama Art University
Review
We need to move away from Tokyo's overconcentration and accelerate regional revitalization. I think almost no one would disagree with this. However, in reality, it's not that simple. Of the 1,718 cities, towns, and villages in Japan, the majority (about 1,400) are facing population decline. In this situation, I think it is significant that J:COM, which has business bases in the region, is holding this contest. All of the plans that the students worked hard on were attractive. From my perspective, the point that separated the winning works from the rest was whether or not the solutions had original ideas. Research and analysis are of course important, but I felt that they should have placed more emphasis on trying to come up with "creative solutions."
Experts (regional issues perspective)
Yurusato Labo (Odakyu Agency Co., Ltd.) Koichiro Masuda and Saki Tanaka
Experts (regional issues perspective)
Yurusato Labo (Odakyu Agency Co., Ltd.) Koichiro Masuda and Saki Tanaka
Review
We received many unique ideas right from the first round of selection, but the final round in particular was an inspiring day for us as we were able to hear the participants' passion directly and exchange opinions.
We believe that community activities can only be effective in solving problems if they involve many different people and involve everyone in experiencing successes and failures together. We hope that you will proactively communicate your desire to do something and work on the activities while building good relationships with your peers.
JCOM Corporation
Sustainability Promotion Department Managers: Katsunori Izumi and Nozomi Fujino
JCOM Corporation
Sustainability Promotion Department Managers: Katsunori Izumi and Nozomi Fujino
Comment from the organizer
This new project was launched with the desire for J:COM to help university students who are thinking about local issues expand on their ideas for new challenges and activities that they want to further develop, and then move them forward in a concrete way.
I was impressed by the idea of the Best Action "+mirai" team, in which university students who have gone far away from their hometowns to continue their studies rediscover the charms of Amakusa, and use a method that combines the analog method of postcards with the digital method of analyzing local currency to disseminate and solve the problem. The idea of the "Solving Kitakyushu City's problems through food!!" team was unique in that it solved the problem by eating the bamboo that is causing the bamboo damage, and it also left an impression on me in that they had a concrete idea of how to commercialize and sell souvenirs. Let's work together to make this idea a reality.
I also believe that solving local issues can be done not only locally but also through collaboration, which will lead to bigger efforts. I hope that the students who participated today will treasure the encounters they have had with each other and that the circle of their activities will continue to expand in the future.
Application method
Step 1: Watch the orientation video
(J:COM Sustainability Activities | Thinking about SDGs with University Students Action Support Project Orientation VideoPlayback Time: 26:57)
First, please watch this video.
We will explain the project overview, the selection process, and provide some examples that will give you some inspiration for coming up with ideas.
Step 2: Create an idea sheet
Please create an idea sheet while looking at the sample.
Step 3: Submit your idea sheet via the entry form *Applications closed
Please fill out and submit the form.
*The submission deadline has been extended (Updated September 20, 2024)
Application Requirements
Recruitment period
From Tuesday, August 27, 2024 to Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
*The submission deadline has been extended (Updated September 20, 2024)
Details of the project
From the ideas of the teams that pass the first round of selection, the idea that is selected as the best action in the final selection will be provided with support worth a total of 1 million yen.
* Total amount for up to 3 teams.
Qualification requirements
- Students who are interested in the SDGs and want to take on the challenge of solving local issues, including university students, graduate students, junior college students, vocational students, and 4th and 5th year students at technical colleges
*Age does not matter as long as the applicant is still a student at the time of entry.
*Additional information for graduate students (Updated September 11, 2024) - Application unit: Group (seminar, club, volunteer) or individual
- Residence: Japan
- Be able to participate in the final selection process in person
Date and time: Monday, November 4, 2024 Location: Planned to be near Tokyo Station
*Participants' transportation expenses will be covered (up to a maximum of 3 people per group)
*Participation will be on-site as a general rule, but online participation is also possible in unavoidable circumstances. - Be able to execute the idea together with J:COM by the end of March 2025
- Being able to cooperate with the interview
Theme
Actions to solve local issues that you want to start or expand
*It can be an idea to start something new or an idea to develop an action that is already underway.
Submission
1 idea sheet
Application method
After watching the orientation video, submit your idea sheet via the entry form.
Selection Criteria
- The content aims to "solve local issues"
- Have unique perspectives and ideas
- There is continuity in execution
- Further benefits and development are expected with J:COM 's support
- Relevant to J:COM 's materiality (important issues)
*Materiality is Here
Notification of first selection
Around Friday, October 11th
- Teams that pass the first round of selection will be asked to participate in a poster session, which will also serve as the final selection stage.
- Based on the idea sheet, you will be asked to prepare a presentation document (up to 10 pages) that explains your project idea in detail and submit it digitally to the secretariat.
Deadline for submitting presentation materials for final selection (data submission) is Monday, October 28th
*Contact will be made to the email address you entered when applying.
*Schedule has been changed (Updated September 20, 2024)
Final Selection and Poster Session
Date and time: Monday, November 4, 2024 Location: Planned to be near Tokyo Station
Each team will present their ideas.
Participants will exchange opinions with each other, the judges, and JCOM employees in a poster session format, and then the best action will be selected after a judging process.
If you are selected as the best action
The ideas of the teams that are selected as the best actions in the final selection will be supported in their implementation.
- ①Activity support tailored to the content of your ideas
- *The following is an example
- Information dissemination cooperation (Website, YouTube, community channel)
- Video content production
- Matching with local partners such as governments and companies
- Providing sales opportunities (internal sales)
- Event participation and implementation support
- Support for activities
- ② Coverage and dissemination of activities
- Streaming and broadcasting on TV (community channels) and YouTube
Others/Precautions
- We are unable to answer inquiries regarding the screening and selection process.
- When preparing the presentation materials for the poster session, please include additional information such as "what you want your company to be like in three years' time" and "image of your partner." Details will be provided when the successful applicants are notified.
- The final selection process will be broadcast, distributed, announced, and promoted on various J:COM media outlets, including television, the web, and social media.
By entering this project, you agree to the terms and conditions. - We will cover the travel expenses (actual cost) to the final selection venue up to the following limit.
Kanto region: 40,000 yen per team Outside Kanto: 150,000 yen per team
* Route and receipt must be confirmed. - The ideas selected as the best actions will be supported until March 2025 (planned), and activities will be covered and posted on community channels and YouTube.
- We will consult directly with the team that is selected for the best action to determine the specific content, method, and timing of support.
The support provided may differ from that shown in the example.
Application Terms
If you are applying for the "SDGs Action Support Project for Thinking with University Students" (hereinafter "this Project") organized by JCOM Inc. (hereinafter "JCOM"), please read the following carefully and apply only after agreeing to the terms. By applying, you are deemed to have agreed to these terms.
1) Application conditions
- Students who are interested in the SDGs and want to take on the challenge of solving local issues, including university students, graduate students, junior college students, vocational students, and 4th and 5th year students at technical colleges
- *Age does not matter as long as the applicant is still a student at the time of entry.
- *Additional information for graduate students (Updated September 11, 2024)
- Application unit: Group (seminar/circle/volunteer) or individual
- Residence: Japan
- Be able to participate in the final selection process in person
Date and time: Monday, November 4, 2024 Location: Planned to be near Tokyo Station- *Participants' transportation expenses will be covered (up to a maximum of 3 people per team)
- *Participation will be on-site as a general rule, but online participation is also possible in unavoidable circumstances.
- The idea must be implemented together with JCOM by the end of March 2025.
- Being able to cooperate with the interview
2) Regarding the handling of intellectual property rights of submitted ideas (including copyright of submitted materials)
- Definition of Terms
- A. Submitted Idea The submitted idea (including the applicant's thoughts as stated on the application form)
- Application materials: The application form and attached materials attached to the form at the time of application or when passing the first selection process, as well as materials submitted to the Secretariat (hereinafter referred to as the "Secretariat")
- C. Submitted ideas, etc. Submitted ideas and application materials
- D. Intellectual property rights: A general term for copyrights (including the rights set out in Articles 27 and 28 of the Copyright Act), patent rights, utility model rights, design rights, and trademark rights.
- Other terms are based on laws and regulations unless otherwise specified.
- If JCOM provides implementation support or financial assistance to an application idea selected as the best action, the intellectual property rights of the application idea etc. will belong to JCOM.
- Applicants grant JCOM comprehensive permission to use their submitted ideas in any way related to this project, including implementing the ideas, publicizing them, public relations activities, program production, broadcasting, and distribution.
- The copyright of the application materials belongs to JCOM unless otherwise agreed. Furthermore, JCOM may publish the application materials and their contents both domestically and internationally, and applicants agree to this.
- All rights to submitted ideas etc. will be transferred free of charge.
- Applicants agree not to exercise any moral rights regarding their submitted ideas, etc.
- The execution of the idea will be decided through consultation between JCOM and the applicant. JCOM may modify and use part of the content as appropriate, and the applicant agrees to this.
- If an applicant transmits the submitted idea (including any modifications thereof) to the public via social media or the like, or publishes or distributes it to a third party, the applicant must consult with and obtain consent from JCOM in advance regarding the timing, method, etc.
- Applicants are prohibited from stealing other people's ideas and from using other people's intellectual property without permission beyond the limits permitted by law with regard to their submitted ideas, etc. If an applicant is sued by a third party for infringement of rights due to a violation of this rule, the applicant shall resolve the matter at his/her own responsibility and expense.
- The governing law of these Terms shall be Japanese law, and any disputes relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Tokyo District Court or the Tokyo Summary Court as the court of first instance.
- The content of this project may be changed or canceled without notice at the discretion of the secretariat.
3) Other points to note
- The application period may be changed at the discretion of the Secretariat.
- Personal information acquired by JCOM at the time of selection will be handled appropriately in accordance with the basic policy regarding the protection of personal information established by the Company. The purpose of use of personal information in this project and the status of consignment are as follows.
- Purpose of Use of Personal Information
In carrying out this project, JCOM will use the personal information it obtains for the following purposes:- i) Contacting applicants regarding this project
- ii) Other purposes incidental to the above purpose of use
- Consignment of personal information handling and provision to third parties
JCOM may entrust the handling of personal information to a contractor selected by JCOM within the scope necessary to carry out the above-mentioned purposes of use. In such cases, we will conclude a confidentiality agreement with the contractor and manage the personal information to ensure that it is handled appropriately.
In addition, personal information will not be provided to any third parties other than those mentioned above without the applicant's consent. - Person responsible for management of personal information, address, name of representative
Responsible person: JCOM Co., Ltd. Personal Information Protection Manager
Address: Marunouchi Trust Tower N, 1-8-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Name of Representative: Yoichi Iwaki
- Purpose of Use of Personal Information
- If you are under the age of 15, you must obtain parental consent before applying.
- Candidates who pass the first round of selection will be contacted individually.
- We may contact you during the application period to confirm your application.
- Applicants are responsible for all costs related to the application, including the costs required to prepare the documents to be submitted.
4) Regarding inquiries
- Inquiries will be accepted via email.
- We will only accept inquiries about the application method or changes to the entry content.
- We cannot answer any inquiries regarding the progress of the examination, the contents of the examination, the criteria, etc.
- Please note that it may take some time for us to respond. Also, depending on the content of your inquiry, we may refrain from replying.
5) About the screening process
- Judges designated by the Secretariat will conduct examinations according to the standards set by the Secretariat.
- We will not accept any inquiries regarding the screening.
End
FAQ
A. Students from different universities can apply.
A. Graduate students can also apply if they are currently enrolled.
A.Of course you can apply. Please submit ideas to develop current initiatives and new action plans.
A. We ask that you attend in person, but if this is difficult you can also participate online.
A. Applications are accepted regardless of whether you are inside or outside the service area. The support we can provide may differ depending on whether you are inside or outside the service area.
For any further inquiries regarding this project, please contact us by email at [email protected].
Related Content
J:COM Channel "Thinking about SDGs with University Students" Special Feature
J:COM channel will introduce students at universities who are conducting research and initiatives related to the SDGs, and aim to achieve the SDGs together with the younger generation who will lead the future.
