Culture, faith and tradition as a catalyst for local sustainability: insights from the Ise and Japan Study Programme

Purpose This paper presents an elaborated case study of the Ise and Japan Study Programme, an ongoing, decade-long collaboration between Kogakkan University and the Ise local government, as a local university’s internationalisation initiative and considers the pathways in which it contributes to local sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a qualitative case study approach combining autoethnographic accounts, content analysis of participant reports and discussions, and interviews with key personnel involved in the organisation of the programme as well as previous participants. The data were thematically analysed to explore how the programme achieves its dual goals: promoting Ise’s unique heritage and fostering global connectivity through scholarly exchange. Findings Findings reveal that the programme deepens participants’ understanding of Ise and Japan, stimulates scholarly interest in the region and cultivates affinity towards the region through exclusive experiences and emotions. Reciprocal interaction between participants and local stakeholders further amplifies intercultural understanding and supports co-creation for sustainability. Originality/value The study presents an original case of a culturally-specific approach to internationalisation, linking spirituality dimensions of the local Shinto faith to discussions on place-based education and sense-of-place. It highlights how local universities in East Asia can leverage cultural resources and international networks to contribute towards addressing regional challenges, illustrating a shift in higher education internationalisation towards inclusivity and community engagement.