The DOJO program kicks off as students from National Cheng Kung University and University of Tsukuba meet for the first time.

University of Tsukuba (UT) and National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) launched an innovative program called "Dojo in Taiwan," an international academic exchange initiative. This program aims to address local business challenges, cultivate global entrepreneurial talent, and expand universities' societal impact by facilitating cross-border collaboration between faculty and students from both institutions. Participants will also engage in in-depth interactions with local industry experts and government agencies in urban planning.

Over 10 educators from UT and NCKU have contributed to the course design and planning, collaborating with experts from Mitsui Fudosan, the Taichung City Government, and the Tainan City Government. These industry professionals and government representatives guide 40 undergraduate and graduate students from both universities through a nine-day field study and workshop, equipping them with practical knowledge and professional insights while deepening their understanding of urban development and planning in Taiwan and Japan.

The DOJO program officially launched on February 8th, 2025, with NCKU organizing related activities. As part of the program, students are conducting a case study on LaLaport Taichung and analyzing five major commercial districts in Taichung. Their research explores consumer shopping behaviors in central Taiwan, aiming to develop business strategies that foster mutual growth for LaLaport and the Taichung area. To provide UT and NCKU students with a better understanding of Taichung’s urban planning and Mitsui LaLaport’s business strategies, the event features presentations from the Taichung City Government and Mitsui Fudosan. These sessions cover the current state of Taichung’s urban landscape, commercial space planning, future urban development goals, and LaLaport Taichung’s management strategies. Through discussions and direct engagement, students gain firsthand information and insights.

Professor Yung-Chi Yen (right) and Professor Ping-Li Chen (left) from the Department of Urban Planning at NCKU exchanged gifts with Deputy General Manager Po-Yueh Hsu (center) of Mitsui Fudosan Taichung Operations Management Center.

The research process includes meetings with shopping mall management teams and local government officials. Students divided into mixed Taiwan-Japan groups are requested to conduct secondary data collection and on-site surveys across five commercial districts. Their analysis focuses on product positioning, consumer behavior, and the urban environment. Additionally, students will examine public art installations in these districts, assessing their impact on shopping experiences and cultural engagement. They will also evaluate the shopping mall’s events, facilities, design, and accessibility, comparing them with other shopping areas in Taiwan, such as those in Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. Finally, students will integrate their findings into group research projects, presenting their conclusions and strategic recommendations for future business development.
Through hands-on research, discussions with government officials and experts, and analysis of various solutions, students from both universities will gain a comprehensive understanding of urban planning operations while developing critical thinking skills. This program highlights the strong collaboration between NCKU and UT, fostering academic exchange and talent development between Taiwan and Japan. Additionally, it injects valuable momentum into future urban planning development, equipping students with essential knowledge and experience to contribute to the growth of cities in both countries.

NCKU and UT students jointly visited the Taichung City Government and took a joyful group photo.

Professor Yung-Chi Yen and Commissioner Wen-Bin Chu of the Taichung City Government's Urban Development Bureau exchanged gifts and expressed gratitude for his warm hospitality.