Izu Peninsula project of IUE students

Invited by Shizuoka University of Art and Culture in Japan, 8 students from the Department of Industrial Design of Izmir University of Economics (IEU) traveled to Japan to develop business models with the aim of making the Izu Peninsula a ‘gastronomic center’. Collaborating with Japanese students, they worked on ideas to increase the number of tourists visiting Izu, as well as to establish the region as a brand in the field of gastronomy. The IEU students presented their work to the governor and mayor of the region.

The projects proposed by the students, which include the development of digital applications that connect local residents with producers, the creation of areas where tourists can purchase local products, the preparation of cultural points featuring works of famous authors or artists in the region, and the introduction of specially designed vehicles for transportation on the island, resembling bicycles, attracted great attention.

A 10-YEAR COLLABORATION

Asst. Prof. Dr. Elif Kocabıyık from IUE Department of Industrial Design, who was part of the team that went to Japan, shared the details of the project. Pointing out that there has been an ongoing collaboration for 10 years between Prof. Dr. Yasuko Takayama from Shizuoka University of Culture and Arts in Japan and Asst. Prof. Dr. Can Özcan, Head of IUE Department of Industrial Design, Kocabıyık said, “Thanks to the long-standing collaboration between the two universities, we have hosted many Japanese students on our campus so far. We introduced Izmir and our region to them. We have realized many joint projects by taking advantage of Izmir University of Economics' collaborations with local governments and companies and its technological facilities. Even during the pandemic, this cooperation continued without a problem. Finally, upon the invitation from Japan, we went to the region with 8 of our students and Asst. Prof. Dr. Daniele Savasta to participate in a workshop on the Izu Peninsula.”

20 STUDENTS IN 4 GROUPS PARTICIPATED

Stating that they stayed in Japan for 10 days, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kocabıyık said, “We carried out a special study for Minami Izu, located at the very tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka, Japan, and the settlements around it. Our aim was to present business models that would enable the development of culinary tourism in this region. Our students developed projects involving product, service and system designs. In the workshop, a total of 20 students, 12 from Japan and 8 from our University, formed 4 groups and prepared projects. These groups were mentored by 4 designers from Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Toshiba and Toyota Auto Body companies. At the beginning of the workshop, a symposium was held with an online presentation by the Head of Department Asst. Prof. Dr. Can Özcan, who has contributed a lot to the cooperation. Our students met with Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu and Minami Izu Mayor Katsuhito Okabe. They presented their projects and goals to the officials, had the opportunity to gain experience by getting to know different cultures and people.”

THEY PROVED THEY RECEIVED GOOD EDUCATION

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kocabıyık continued as follows: “Izu Peninsula is located on the Honshū Island of Japan. The peninsula is located within the borders of Shizuoka prefecture on the Pacific Ocean coast. It has deep indented coastlines and a mountainous structure. We conducted our studies by taking into consideration the historical features of the region, its cultural structure and the aspects that can come to the fore especially in terms of gastronomy. We have created business ideas that will make the region a gastronomy center with great care and sensitivity. Our students have proved with their ideas that they have received a good education at the faculty and that they have been trained as individuals who will make a difference in their sectors. I congratulate them.”