Faculty Introduction
SAKUMA, Kyoko Associate Professor
Specialized fields
Cultural anthropology, Southeast Asian studies
Subjects Taught
Introduction to SDGs, Society and Development, Policy Design Practice
About Department of Policy Design
The Department of Policy Design offers a comprehensive range of subjects necessary to help you concretely consider and act upon the kind of society you want to live in.
The term "society" here isn't limited to the region where you live. Do you think that just because a region is geographically distant, its people's lives and our lives in Japan are unrelated? The reality is quite the opposite. Our lives today are inevitably connected to some region somewhere in the world.
For example, our lives are supported by many resources from Southeast Asia, such as palm oil, which is widely used in cosmetics, food, and fuel. On the other hand, vast rainforests are disappearing in the production areas, having a significant impact on the lives of the people who live there and on the ecological environment. Unfortunately, however, we do not know much about Southeast Asia, what kind of place it is, what kind of people live there, or what is happening there.
The important thing is that we can no longer afford to remain ignorant of these issues. That's why we must continuously absorb and update our knowledge. From there, why not try designing a "better society"?
Introduction to specialized fields
My specialty is cultural anthropology. As a student, I was fascinated by the people who live in the forests and ventured into the tropical rainforests of Borneo, a treasure trove of biodiversity. I lived with the indigenous people who live in the forest and studied how they use diverse resources and how they live in the ever-changing forest environment. There are still so many things I don't know and so many things I'm not yet fascinated by.
Introduction to Exercises I and II
Theme: Exploring Global Connections – Considering Social Issues Through Connections
- This seminar aims to explore familiar social issues from the perspective of their connections to different countries, regions, and people, fostering a broad yet concrete understanding of the subject.
- The objects, information, and scenery that surround us in our daily lives can be seen as connected to the world if we change our perspective.
- Food, fashion, primary industries, renewable energy, music, traditional events and culture, sports, games...the choice of what to focus on is up to you!
Message to high school students
We welcome motivated students who can ask their own questions and take proactive action!