English

Welcome to Hideki Sato's Page:

Welcome to Hideki Sato's webpage at Edogawa University. I specialize in Environmental Studies and Agricultural Development, with a focus on sustainable practices such as the utilization of local resources. My research encompasses environmental education, rural development, and international cooperation. 

Current Position:

Associate Professor, College of Sociology Department of Contemporary Sociology at Edogawa University

Professional Background:

Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido. After graduating from university, I worked for two years starting in 2002 as a Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), engaging in vegetable cultivation in Ecuador. Subsequently, I spent 13 years working with an agricultural and rural development consulting firm and an environmental NGO, participating in various international cooperation projects such as JICA’s Development Study-Type Technical Cooperation and Grassroots Technical Cooperation, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects.

As an international cooperation expert focused on building sustainable societies, I was involved in practical initiatives and research in developing countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, Nicaragua, and Nepal, particularly in the areas of environmental conservation and agricultural development for local communities. I have also been engaged in research and survey work related to environmental education in China, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Since April 2019, I have been teaching university courses related to environmental studies and agriculture. Internationally, I continue to be involved in rural development cooperation in Bangladesh, while domestically, I carry out and study awareness-raising activities related to the SDGs within civil society. In academic circles, I served as the Executive Committee Chair for the 2024 annual conferences of both The Japanese Society for Environmental Education (JSFEE) and The Association for Kyosei Studies.

Final Education:

Ph.D., Department of Science on Agricultural Economy and Symbiotic Society, United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology 

Current Research Project:

1. Practical Research on Environmental Education in Japan and Abroad
   In Japan, I conduct research on environmental education programs aimed at promoting behavioral change toward environmental conservation among university students. Overseas, my fieldwork takes place in Bangladesh, where we engage in mangrove reforestation activities and develop and implement educational materials on environmental issues for local residents and children. In collaboration with local NGOs, I am also evaluating the effectiveness of these materials and their impact on environmental awareness. Our efforts go beyond education, contributing to ecosystem conservation throughout the region.

2. Support and Research for Small-Scale Farmers in Developing Countries
   In Jashore District, Bangladesh, I support small-scale farmers such as palm sugar collectors and flower growers in developing value-added agricultural businesses that integrate production, processing, distribution, and sales. I also promote and study sustainable rural development through initiatives such as agro-tourism and the introduction of organic farming. In collaboration with Japanese and Bangladesh NGOs, local governments, businesses, universities, and experts, I am engaged in comprehensive support efforts aimed at creating inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

3. Research on Effective Learning Approaches for the SDGs
   In Japan, I am exploring effective learning approaches to connect the ideals of the SDGs to concrete actions by citizens and small- and medium-sized enterprises. Centered in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, I collaborate with city hall, companies, and civic groups to implement workshops and dialogue-based events. Through these practical activities, I survey how educational and outreach methods can promote awareness and behavioral change related to the SDGs.

Teaching: 

I teach course such as Environment and Education, Introduction to Environmental Sociology, Introduction to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Interpretation and Eco-tourism in the College of Sociology Department of Contemporary Sociology at Edogawa University. In my environmental studies seminar, I emphasize hands-on fieldwork and interdisciplinary approaches. 

Contact: 

For inquiries regarding research collaborations, speaking engagements, or academic opportunities, please contact me via email at hi-sato★edogawa-u.ac.jp

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