2025.05.20
News
Faculty of Commerce: Professor NISHIKAWA Releases Short Film “Living with River – Transition of River and its Path”-- Granted by Innovation Foundation for Water and Regional Revitalization
Professor NISHIKAWA Kahoko of the Faculty of Commerce (Vice President, in charge of SDGs at the General Education Class) has jointly released a short film, an English version of “Rivers: voice of change,” with Universiti Malaya (Malaysia) and the University of Cambridge (England). The film highlights the outcomes of a project that was selected for the FY2024 Activities Aid Category by the Innovation Foundation for Water and Regional Revitalization. In addition, Professor Nishikawa created and released a short film titled “
Rivers: voice of change
“Our River – River flowing to the future – Arakawa”(available only in Japanese)
The way riverfront areas are used continues to evolve, depending on the society, local foundations, and the surrounding environment of the people who live nearby. In today’s information-driven society, social customs and structures are undergoing change, driven by a growing number of people who think differently from traditional perspectives, as well as by environmental shifts such as global warming.
The purpose of this study is to effectively use a short film to convey the evolving role of riverfronts to younger generations, with a focus on riverfronts in Malaysia, England, and Japan. The film highlights the Japanese riverfront in particular, exploring how social changes are influencing its use. The Japanese version of the film was created primarily by students and features the Arakawa River. Alongside stunning visuals, it documents community efforts to help children develop a connection with the river, as well as the current challenges the region faces.

The comment from Professor Nishikawa:
“Social issues the country faces become apparent by closely examining the environmental conservation of riverfronts. What can we do to preserve this beautiful environment for future generations? To listen and consider the local communities' voices is essential.”
Professor Nishikawa is set to continue studying riverfront environmental conservation inside and outside Japan.
Click below to learn more about Professor Nishikawa’s research.
>>CHUO UNIVERSITY Academic Researcher Database