Socio-technical Experiments with Kakishibu: Student-Led Innovation with Businesses

Abstract This chapter discusses a case study of inquiry-based learning in Japanese high schools, where students used Kakishibu (persimmon tannin), a local resource, to address the challenge of creating a more sustainable society. Kakishibu is a traditional Japanese material whose value has been largely overlooked in recent years. However, by exploring solutions to environmental issues such as microplastics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the students focused on the functional properties of Kakishibu, including its waterproofing, antibacterial, and deodorizing qualities. They took on the challenge of developing multiple Kakishibu-based products aimed at reducing plastic use, including paper bags, cosmetics, agricultural mulch, and food packaging paper. Through collaboration with companies, universities, and local governments, the students gained real-world developed, worked on business plan proposals and delivered presentations, and demonstrated flexibility and initiative without fear of failure. In doing so, they proposed innovations that could revive Kakishibu, a local speciality, for broader use in society. This initiative exemplifies a collaborative model that connects schools, communities, and businesses and research institutions, demonstrating that high school students’ learning can drive societal change. The challenges and initiatives undertaken in an environment that allows for failure highlight the potential to rediscover the value of local resources and contribute to building a sustainable society through education.