On April 21, the Frontier Science and Social Co-creation Initiative held ZATSUDAN NO CHIKARA (*2) “Hops Connects Yuwaku Community Challenge” at Kakuma Campus as part of Project: AERU (*1). Twelve Kanazawa University students, faculty, and staff members participated
This session welcomed Mr. Kenji Uno and Mr. Hiroyuki Kurose, who cultivate hops in the Yuwaku district of Kanazawa City and produce original craft beer. Through discussions on hop cultivation in Yuwaku and efforts to promote the appeal of their products, participants explored possibilities for new forms of engagement with the local community under the theme of regional revitalization.
At the beginning of the event, the speakers introduced the current situation of the Yuwaku area—including population decline and other regional challenges—and explained the background leading to hop cultivation and craft‑beer production, as well as the ingenuity and trial‑and‑error involved in commercializing their products.
During the subsequent discussion, participants listened attentively as the speakers shared insights on the geographically challenging conditions for hop cultivation in Yuwaku and their commitment to presenting craft beer not merely as a product but as a form of regional value.
Students commented: “Mr. Kurose’s words, ‘I don’t want to be just a hop producer,’ conveyed his strong passion for the Yuwaku community.” “I was able to learn carefully about the current situation and issues in Yuwaku, and I strongly felt the significance of hop cultivation.”
Some participants also expressed interest in continued involvement: “I wasn’t particularly interested in community revitalization before, but I genuinely want to contribute to Yuwaku’s development. This experience made me want to join other initiatives as well.”
*1 Project: AERU
*2 ZATSUDAN NO CHIKARA
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Lecture by Mr. Uno and Mr. Kurose -
Participants in discussion with Mr. Kurose -
Participants in discussion with Mr. Uno
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