“National Heritage Tourism – The Case of Hokkaido, ” one of the courses offered at the Hokkaido Summer Institute 2024 by the School/Graduate School of Humanities and Human Sciences, was taught over five days from September 2 to 6. Professor Kenneth Ruoff from Portland State University in the United States and Professor Michelle La Fay, who oversees international exchanges at the Faculty of Humanities and Human Sciences, collaborated to conduct the course in hybrid format, combining in-person and online sessions.
The aim of this course was to deepen an understanding of how historic sites convey historical narratives through lectures and on-site visits, covering topics such as colonization, modernization, and indigenous peoples.
The students read portions of the reference materials distributed in advance and brought their own discussion questions. Professor Ruoff answered the students’ questions while deepening the discussion on how to analyze the historical narratives presented at historic sites.
The way historical events are interpreted as the basis for preserving and presenting historic sites greatly influences the historical awareness of those who visit them. Professor Ruoff noted that buildings and sites deemed significant by the state often receive special treatment as tourism resources, but their value can also be critically assessed.
During the course, the students visited several sites, including Furukawa Hall and the Sakushukotoni River, which flows through the central lawn on the Sapporo Campus, as well as Seikatei and the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (commonly known as the Red Brick Office) off-campus. On-site, Professors Ruoff and La Fay explained the history and analytical methods.
In their free time outside of lecture hours, the students visited historic sites of their choice in the Sapporo area and reported on the historical narratives of those sites.
On the final day of the course, the students presented Professor Ruoff with a group message as a token of their gratitude for the five days of learning.
It is scheduled to offer this course on historic site tourism again in September 2025 as part of the Hokkaido Summer Institute 2025.