The Japan Association of Regional Policy Tokai Chapter hosted the 1st Student Policy Competition at Chukyo University (Aichi Prefecture) on December 21, 2019. Gifu University student team members who have completed the regional leader course of the Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program, won the highest award.

The Japan Association of Regional Policy Tokai Chapter aims to integrate practical operations for policy-making and research activities in Tokai Region, and promote community research from wider, interdisciplinary perspectives. The major objectives of the 1st Student Policy Competition are to facilitate the development of student-led regional policy-making and human resource development. Eight teams from four universities in Tokai Region (Gifu University, Chukyo University, Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, Aichi University) made presentations.

As part of their studies of "regional leader practice course (advanced level)" of the Next-Generation Regional Leader Fostering Program, Gifu University student team carried out projects at Ajika Town, Hashima City (Gifu Prefecture) last year. They first gathered information through their exchanges with local residents and fieldwork. Based on the information collected about the town, they created a deck of cards ("Ajikaruta") to help elementary school students rediscover the real attractions of their hometown, and develop a strong attachment for their community.

Gifu University student team won the highest award for their diligent work of investigating real needs, proposing solutions, and put them into practice together with the local residents.

Gifu University continues to cultivate young leaders who can demonstrate strong leadership, and also next-generation leaders who are able to support those young leaders in the near future.