GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

The post-coronavirus recovery of inbound tourism to Japan has surpassed expectations and 2024 was a record-breaking year for visitor numbers and spending.
After a consideration of historical tourism development, this course will examine a range of topical issues, including relations with South Korea, the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 and the impact of UNESCO World Heritage Site designation of Mt. Fuji. We will analyze different management and marketing approaches of tourism in different prefectures. We will consider the factors behind the remarkable recovery of inbound tourism after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and how Japanese tourism may develop in 2025 and beyond.

Upon completion of this course students should be able to:

1) Understand how tourism in Japan has developed into its present form
2) Understand some of the key stakeholders involved in planning tourism in Japan
3) Consider destination management and how to harness the social and economic potential of tourism for revitalizing Japan at local level
4) Critically analyze prefectural and national government tourism management and marketing initiatives
5) Critically analyze sustainable tourism development in different prefectures

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

The course is primarily lecture-based, though students will have a number of opportunities to have group and class discussions. A range of case studies can help students consolidate their learning by illustrating the lecture content with real examples.
In groups, students will conduct an in-depth analysis of tourism in a particular prefecture, which will provide an opportunity to apply the theories and concepts from the lectures and enhance understanding of key issues.
Assignments will be submitted and returned, with feedback, via Hoppii; insightful answers will be shared in class to facilitate discussion.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction to the Course Content and Class Format

Introduction to the course content and class format and a consideration of contemporary tourism in Japan

2[対面/face to face]：The Roots of Japanese Travel Culture and Tourism Development

Exploring the historical development and evolution of the tourism sector in Japan, and the emergence of the 'leisure concept' in Japan in the 1970s

3[対面/face to face]：Destination Management and Marketing

Analysis of destination competitiveness, and an introduction to some of the key organizations involved in tourism management and planning in Japan

4[対面/face to face]：Rural Japan: Tourism as an Economic and Social Lifeline

Exploring destination management and tourism sustainability. Also the economic potential of niche tourism for local and regional development 'off the beaten track' to tackle serious demographic problems.

5[対面/face to face]：Tourism Marketing I

Considering marketing strategy and different approaches to tourism marketing

6[対面/face to face]：Tourism Marketing II: Prefectural Campaigns

Analyzing examples of prefectural marketing campaigns

7[対面/face to face]：Japan and Asia. Case Study: Japan and South Korea

Examining the current & historical connections with some of Japan's close neighbors, with a particular focus on South Korea

8[対面/face to face]：Tourism Resources: Events

Analyzing how Japan's rich event calendar provides competitive advantage at local and international levels

9[対面/face to face]：Tourism Resources: Natural, Built and Cultural

Analyzing the tangible and intangible resources in Japan, with a particular focus on World Heritage Sites. We will consider Mt Fuji from a sustainable tourism management perspective.

10[対面/face to face]：Tourism Focus: Niche Tourism & A Cross-Disciplinary Activity (Literary Tourism)

Considering different forms of tourism including ecotourism, gastronomical tourism and cultural tourism related to anime, manga, movies and TV shows. Guest lecture from Professor Khezrnejat on literary tourism.

11[対面/face to face]：Group Presentations

Presentations on tourism in selected prefectures

12[対面/face to face]：Group Presentations

Presentations on tourism in selected prefectures

13[対面/face to face]：Disaster Management and Recovery

Analyzing how destinations can manage disasters. The response to the Great East Japan earthquake in 2011 will be considered, as will the rapid recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

14[対面/face to face]：Contemporary Tourism Focus and Submission of Examination

Submission of examination and consideration of Airbnb in Japan

Students will be assigned reading as preparation for classes. Students are expected to download the lecture slides to preview before class. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

There is no set textbook. Weekly handouts and reading materials will be distributed in class and/or available via the online class management page.

Various reference books are available in the library and in the GIS Reference Room, including:
Funck, C. and Cooper, M. (2013) Japanese Tourism: Spaces, Places and Structures. Berghahn: New York
Sharpley, R. and Kato, K. (2020) Tourism Development in Japan: Themes, Issues and Challenges (Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility). Routledge: London

1. Class participation & homework assignments (30%)
2. Group project (30%)
3. Exam (40%)
Students are expected to complete all the assigned reading and homework assignments to enable them to get the most benefit from the lectures. To improve students' group-working skills and encourage and reward cooperation and hard work, the group project is assessed on an individual basis.

In light of the rapid growth of inbound tourism, the course will have a greater focus on sustainable tourism management and overtourism.

N/A

I can draw from my experience as marketing director of a tourism business and event organizer in the UK to help provide students with examples and to illustrate issues.
Although not essential, students are encouraged to have taken (or concurrently take) the 100-level 'Introduction to Tourism Studies' course.

None.