Studying Sustainability in East Asia

During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to study in two countries: Japan and South Korea. In Japan, I studied at J.F. Oberlin University and took a course titled Sustainable Development in Japan: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals. In South Korea, I studied at Sogang University, where I enrolled in Korean Society. Both courses offered unique insights into the cultures and social systems of these countries, but my favorite by far was the sustainable development course in Japan.

The course on sustainable development made a lasting impression on me. Its core focus was on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations, which aim to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. What made the course so powerful was learning how Japan has consistently ranked as one of the world’s leading countries in sustainability. We explored how these SDGs are not only integrated into government policies and infrastructure but also embedded in everyday Japanese culture.

One of the most fascinating things I learned was how Japanese cultural values naturally align with sustainability. For instance, the concept of wabi-sabi—which emphasizes the beauty of impermanence and imperfection—directly influences how the Japanese approach architecture and nature. Many temples and shrines in Japan are made of decomposable materials like wood, rather than stone or concrete. This is done intentionally, as the belief is that these structures, like everything else in life, are not meant to last forever. They are designed to eventually return to the earth, reinforcing the idea that humans are part of nature, not separate from it. This cultural mindset creates a deep respect for the environment and a sense of responsibility toward preserving it.

The course also covered more technical aspects of Japan’s sustainability efforts. We studied Japan’s energy efficiency practices, urban planning strategies, public transportation systems, and waste management policies. I was impressed by how Japan has managed to combine technological innovation with traditional values to create systems that are both modern and environmentally responsible. For example, their approach to recycling is highly advanced and widely followed by the population, not just because it is mandated by law, but because it is seen as a civic duty rooted in cultural respect for cleanliness and harmony.

In contrast, my course on Korean society at Sogang University offered a different but equally valuable perspective. It focused more on the social dynamics, historical influences, and contemporary issues shaping South Korean culture today. While it wasn’t my favorite course, I still appreciated the chance to better understand Korean values, such as collectivism, respect for hierarchy, and rapid modernization. This course provided essential context for understanding Korea’s fast-paced development and the social challenges that come with it.

Overall, my experience studying abroad was more than just academic—it was transformational. The sustainable development course in Japan did more than teach me about environmental policy; it changed the way I think about our relationship with the planet. It showed me that sustainability isn’t just about laws or technologies—it’s also about mindset, culture, and the values we live by.

If I had to choose one takeaway from this entire experience, it would be this: true sustainability starts with appreciation—appreciation for nature, for culture, and for the interconnectedness of all things. Japan taught me that sustainability is not only a policy framework, but a way of life. And that lesson will stay with me forever.

Blog by Arianna Salvador-Cruz, University of North Carolina - Charlotte

Learn more about studying abroad in Japan and South Korea here!