We are pleased to announce that members of GifTs (Glocal Innovator & Future Talent Society), supported by the Health Care Innovation Association as an official sponsor, along with participants of the Karuizawa Community Revitalization Project 2nd season, visited Karuizawa Garden Farm on October 19–20, 2024. We successfully implemented the plan, Harmonious Living with Lovely Neighbour Birds of Karuizawa, proposed by the KIDs (Karuizawa Inbound Developers) team during the 2nd season of the project.
Yui Ogino, a working professional participant from the 2nd season, shared:
“We are thrilled to announce that we have finally carried out the plan proposed by the 2nd season participants! During the five-day program, students and working professionals collaborated as teams, identifying regional challenges and addressing them with great dedication. The professional participants from young professionals to seasoned professionals are working in various industries. They brought diverse experience and perspectives to the table. This program provides a unique opportunity to leverage your skills and also to gain valuable new insights. I highly encourage you to take part in this program. You can contribute to shaping the future of Karuizawa and turn your ideas into reality.”
The Titmouse Birdhouse Installation Plan by KIDs
In the 2nd season of the Karuizawa Community Revitalization Project, Team C, also known as the KIDs, proposed the installation of birdhouses for titmice, local bird type in Karuizawa, at the Karuizawa Prince Hotel West to address challenges related to inbound tourism.
During their field research, KIDs participated in a nature tour organized by Picchio, which focused on “bear dogs” trained to detect the presence of bears and safely drive them back into the forest. This experience led KIDs to recognize that Karuizawa is a place where people, animals, and nature coexist in harmony. Inspired by this observation, KIDs developed their proposal based on the concept of “Harmonious Living with Lovely Neighbour Birds in Karuizawa”.
Photo of KIDs during the Bear Dog Tour
For the final presentation, KIDs proposed the "Harmonious Living with Lovely Neighbor Birds of Karuizawa” project, which involves installing titmouse birdhouses near the cottages at Karuizawa Prince Hotel. The goal is to offer guests an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area. Following the presentation, Mr. Yokochi, the president of Karuizawa Garden Farm, a local strawberry farm, expressed strong interest in the plan and proposed implementing it at Karuizawa Garden Farm.
Construction of the Titmouse Birdhouses
On October 19-20, 2024, members of KIDs visited Karuizawa Garden Farm to construct the birdhouses.
Over two days, KIDs student members Hiroyuki Harashima (3rd year, University of Tokyo, a student member of KIDs), Nanaha Ito (3rd year, Chuo University, a student leader of GifTs), and Yuki Yamashita (4th year, Yokohama National University, a student leader of GifTs) participated in the project. On the second day, Shiori Oikawa, the professional head of the External Relations and Recruiting Team at GifTs, and Yui Ogino, a professional member of KIDs, joined the team. Together, they successfully completed the birdhouses.
The entire process, from purchasing materials to installation, was completed through hands-on efforts.
Day 1
On the first day, KIDs purchased, cut, and stained wood.
Purchasing wood and tools for birdhouse construction
Accurately measuring and cutting the wood with an electric saw
Staining the boards strawberry red
Day 2
On the second day, they drilled holes for bird entry and assembled the birdhouses using nails. Simultaneously, they created a promotional signboard for GifTs. The day concluded with the successful installation of both the birdhouses and the signboard.
Team photo: On the way to Karuizawa Garden Farm!
Drilling holes in the boards
Assembling the birdhouses
Creating the promotional signboard
Installing the birdhouses on trees
Completion! A commemorative photo with President Yokochi, with the Karuizawa "K"pose
Birdhouses installed next to the strawberry greenhouse
About Karuizawa Garden Farm
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Karuizawa Garden Farm for their generous support of this initiative. Known for their “Karuizawa Highland Strawberries”, the farm cultivates a diverse range of rare strawberry varieties. It has received prestigious awards at the Japan Vegetable Sommelier Association’s “Strawberry Championships” in both its first and second editions.
Karuizawa Garden Farm has been a valued partner of the Karuizawa Regional Revitalization Project. During the 1st season, the farm graciously provided meals to all participants. In the 2nd season, they supported the A-Team, which focused on the agricultural agenda.
President Yokochi of Karuizawa Garden Farm shared his thoughts on the birdhouse installation: “I’m thrilled to see the birdhouse project, inspired by the idea of students in the 2nd season, realized at my farm. I am excited about the potential for even greater collaboration between GifTs and Karuizawa in the future.”
For more information about Karuizawa Garden Farm, please visit their official website.
Future Prospects
KIDs will maintain a close relationship with Karuizawa Garden Farm through the upkeep of the birdhouses and other activities for the 3rd season. KIDs will remain dedicated to the revitalization of Karuizawa.
Team F, also known as FIMBY, which won the Best Plan Award in the 2nd season, is now working to bring their winning plan to fruition. For further details, please refer to the previous press release.
Through the implementation of these plans, GifTs is expanding the reach of its initiatives. We appreciate your continuous support and participation as we work towards the growth and success of GifTs.
For more information about GifTs, please visit our official website. To learn more about the past activities of the Karuizawa Community Revitalization Project, please refer to the previous press releases.
Editors: Satoshi Yamaguchi (Lead Editor), Amy Crawley (Support Editor), Nanaha Ito (Japanese Editor)
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