Hachioji CampusTeikyo University's Eye-Opening Fair Trade Exhibit Redefines Global Connection

From November 16, 2023, to December 12, 2023, Associate Professor Asayo Ohba's seminar at Teikyo University General Museum showcased an insightful exhibition titled "Fair Trade Experience." The exhibit, an outcome of Ohba's Global Studies Seminar, delved into the intricate relationship between the Global South countries and Japan, exploring various perspectives related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university undertook this initiative to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, a practice central to Teikyo's academic ethos.

The project found its realization at the University Festival, where students engaged visitors in a profound exploration of fair trade dynamics. Partnering with Kobe Coffee Co., Ltd., based in Kobe City, the students curated an exhibition comparing payments to coffee farmers with and without fair trade certification. Visitors were invited to decide the price of their coffee after understanding the dynamics, an experiment that added a unique twist to the conventional fair trade model.

Despite the challenge of rain on the festival's second day, the students managed to generate sales totaling approximately ?88,000 over the two days. Reflecting on the initiative, students noted the unconventional approach of "letting the purchaser decide on the price." They explained, "Fair trade aims to sustainably support the lives of producers, and transaction prices are higher than normal. However, in Japan, awareness of fair trade is not as widespread as in Europe and the United States. Through this experiment, we aimed to gauge if buyers' awareness would change when given the power to decide the price." The earned proceeds, a testament to the success of the exhibition, were dedicated to supporting women's independence in Guatemala through the international NGO Plan International. The students expressed their initial concerns and subsequent joy in exceeding expectations, emphasizing the project's value in not only learning about fair trade but also in hearing firsthand reactions from consumers.

Associate Professor Mayo Ohba conveyed his hopes for the project, stating, "Through this activity, we aspire to bring people closer to the realization that our daily lives are intricately connected to developing countries. It is not easy for everyone to collaborate seamlessly, but when accomplishments are achieved, a sense of confidence emerges." This project, born out of the dedicated efforts of Teikyo University students, embodies the institution's commitment to fostering skills necessary for societal engagement. As the university continues to support student research activities, including those related to the SDGs, it strives to nurture a community that actively contributes to creating a sustainable society through practical endeavors.

Project members
Faculty of Language Studies, Department of Language Studies, English Course
Haruto Terada, Ayane Matsuoka, Yukane Morita, Mikiyoshi Hayashi, Mana Yumoto, Angela Nanairo Tsukuda, Mai Kirigakubo, Ayumu Honma, Seitora Shinohara, Mizuki Meguro, Rio Yasukouchi, Shien Aisaka, Hitoshi Tonegawa, Rin Takeuchi, Nana Yasutake, Rino Hatachi

Click here for information about Faculty of Language Studies
Click here for information on Teikyo University's SDGs initiatives
Click here for information on Kobe Coffee Story SDGs initiatives

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