Date of Visit: January 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 12:00

On January 16, 2025, Professor Wenjing Lu from the School of Environment at Tsinghua University led a team of 12 students from the school’s Study Tour team to visit Sophia University. The team engaged in a productive discussion with Professor Akemi Ori’s team from the Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies. The two sides extensively exchanged views on the challenges of plastics policy, further advancing academic collaboration and cultural exchange between the two universities.

Tsinghua University’s Study Tour Team to Japan on Circular Economy and Solid Waste Management, named “Thousand Islands, Thousand Cycles,” (千屿千循) included 12 students from the School of Environment guided by Professor Wenjing Lu, who specializes in solid waste management. Their visit focused on exploring Japan’s innovative practices in circular economy and waste management to inspire solutions that can be adapted in China.

During this exchange, Professor Akemi Ori gave an academic lecture titled “Challenges of Plastics Policy: Taking Japan’s Plastics Policy as an Example,” provided an in-depth overview of Japan’s policy history, current situation, and challenges in plastic waste management. Professor Ori discussed how effective policy frameworks can reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable development. She highlighted key concepts such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Circular Economy, analyzed Japan’s efforts to promote plastic recycling and reuse, and examined strategies for addressing the growing global issue of plastic waste. Through case studies, Professor Ori explored how policymakers balance international cooperation, economic impact, and environmental protection in their approach to this complex issue.

The Tsinghua University team actively participated in the discussion, raising insightful questions on topics such as plastic pollution control, challenges in policy implementation, and opportunities for international collaboration. Professor Ori provided detailed responses to their queries, sharing Japan’s lessons learned in tackling plastic pollution and discussing how policy innovation and cooperation can address this global issue in the future. Additionally, Sophia University students engaged in lively exchanges with Tsinghua students, learning about each other’s campus life and research areas from a peer perspective, and exchanging ideas on environmental issues. The lecture not only provided valuable insights for the students but also facilitated meaningful academic dialogue and intellectual exchange between the two universities.

Professor Ori remarked that she was impressed by Tsinghua students’ deep concern for global environmental issues and their thoughtful questions. She expressed her joy in sharing Japan’s experiences with plastics policy and looked forward to more opportunities for future collaboration to jointly address global environmental challenges.

Finally, Tsinghua University’s practical team expressed gratitude to Professor Ori for her detailed presentation and responses, acknowledging that the exchange provided them with a deeper understanding of Japan’s plastics policy and inspired new ideas. The two sides took a group photo to commemorate this valuable exchange experience.

This visit not only enhanced the exchange between the two universities on plastic-related issues and deepened their mutual understanding, but also injected new energy into the collaboration between the two universities. Moving forward, both institutions are committed to deepening cooperation in more areas, working together to face the challenges of globalization, and nurturing future talents with international perspectives and innovative thinking.