Field Trip to Oarai in “Japanese Pop Culture A”(Sunday, May 10)

On May 10, 2026, a total of 23 students enrolled in the “Japanese Pop Culture A” participated in a field trip to Oarai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Oarai is widely known as the setting of the popular anime Girls und Panzer. Prior to the trip, students learned about anime pilgrimage (seichi junrei) and its role in regional revitalization. In preparation, they conducted research in groups and planned their visits to selected locations within the town.

During the field trip, students explored Oarai in small groups, visiting sites such as local shopping streets, tourist attractions, the Garupan-themed café, and the Garupan Gallery. They also interviewed local shop staff and anime fans, gaining first-hand insights into how the anime has influenced the town.

Through these activities, students developed a multifaceted understanding of the relationship between popular culture, tourism, and local communities. Many students commented on how deeply the anime has become embedded in everyday life in Oarai, noting the presence of character displays and themed products throughout the town. Others highlighted that the anime has attracted visitors and contributed to a more vibrant local economy.

At the same time, the interviews prompted critical reflection. Some students pointed out the importance of sustaining tourism over time and considered how communities can maintain long-term engagement beyond the initial popularity of a cultural phenomenon.

The field trip also provided valuable opportunities for intercultural communication. Students reported that working in groups helped them build new connections with classmates, and that even when communication was challenging, mutual effort and cooperation enabled meaningful exchanges.

This field-based learning experience allowed students to actively engage with the real-world impact of Japanese pop culture. Moving forward, each group will organize their findings and present their analyses in class.