New Product "Gifu Great Buddha Coffee," Planned by Students of the School of Social System Management, Now on Sale!
On March 27, 2026, a launch event was held at the OKB Gifu University Plaza on campus to announce a new product titled "Gifu Great Buddha Coffee," which was planned by Gifu University students. This product is a tourism souvenir developed primarily by students from the Laboratory of Professor SHINODA Tomonari of the School of Social System Management in collaboration with local partners. Sales began at various locations throughout Gifu City starting on March 27.
"Gifu Great Buddha Coffee" is a drip-bag coffee inspired by the Gifu Great Buddha, which is enshrined at Shobo-ji Temple in Gifu City and is recognized as one of Japan's Three Great Buddhas. The product was created out of the students' desire to help more people learn about and appreciate this important cultural asset of Gifu.
Product Development through Collaboration among the University, the Local Community, and Welfare Organizations
This project was carried out through collaboration among Gifu University students, Mr. ISHIDA Ishio, a well-known illustrator representing Gifu, "And Works" (operated by Wincareer Co., Ltd. Type B continuous employment support and employment transition support), and Shobo-ji Temple. By bringing together the university, the local community, and welfare organizations, this ambitious initiative aims to both promote the appeal of cultural heritage and create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The product package features a friendly and approachable illustration of the Gifu Great Buddha, with different names assigned to each coffee variety based on its flavor profile. The set includes five types of coffee, each offering a distinctive taste. In addition, each coffee set contains a randomly included "trivia card" introducing interesting facts and episodes related to the Gifu Great Buddha in an easy-to-understand manner. While enjoying the coffee, consumers can also learn about the history and cultural significance of this treasured statue.
A portion of the sales proceeds is planned to be used for the preservation of the Gifu Great Buddha, making the purchase of the product a meaningful way to contribute to the continuation of local culture.
At the launch event, the students involved in the project shared what they learned through the product development process and spoke about how they continuously considered ways to communicate the appeal of local resources. They also reflected on the importance of building connections and trust with stakeholders, highlighting the project as a hands-on learning experience rich in practical insights.
Available at THE GIFTS SHOP inside Gifu Station and at Okigari Honpo in Gifu-Jo Rakuichi
