Nippon Travel and Kyoto University Partner for "Science Exploration Program to Nurture Future Nobel Laureates" at CCII, Touching the Frontiers of Cancer Immunology Research

Nippon Travel Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Keigo Yoshida; hereinafter referred to as "Nippon Travel") has entered into an exclusive sales consignment agreement with Kyoto University (Headquarters: Sakyo-ku, Kyoto; President: Nagahiro Minato; hereinafter referred to as "Kyoto University") for the exploration program of the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunology Research (CCII).

Through this partnership, Nippon Travel will acquire the exclusive sales rights for this program, which targets junior and senior high school students nationwide, and plans to officially launch it as an "Exploration Program" for future scientists starting in the fall of fiscal year 2026.

Background: Challenges in Kyoto's Educational Travel and the Value Transformation of "Learning"

Currently, educational travel in Kyoto City faces challenges such as congestion due to increased inbound tourism, limitations in transportation infrastructure, and rising costs due to inflation. There are also concerns that traditional sightseeing-oriented plans are diminishing in "educational value," leading to a "Kyoto exodus" as an educational travel destination.

In response, Nippon Travel and Kyoto University have developed a new model aimed at enhancing educational value by shifting from conventional "passive sightseeing" to "active exploration" utilizing Kyoto University's academic resources. By having Nippon Travel exclusively handle sales, they aim to provide high educational value to junior and senior high school students nationwide, contributing to the development of next-generation talent and regional revitalization.

Program Features: World-Class Research Environment and "Authentic" Experiences

This program goes beyond simple facility tours, offering students the opportunity to experience a world-class research environment and engage in dialogue with current graduate students, contributing to their career exploration and education.

【Major Exploration Modules】

1. Knowledge Input (Video Lecture by Special Professor Tasuku Honjo, Nobel Laureate)

Students will watch a video lecture by Professor Tasuku Honjo, a Nobel laureate who developed cancer immunotherapy, at the Kyoto University Center for Cancer Immunology Research (CCII), Japan's first research base dedicated to cancer immunology, established with the mission to control most cancers by 2050. They will learn about the social significance and value of this research.

2. Exploration Journey (Research Institute Tour)

Participants will have a special tour of the Kyoto University Center for Cancer Immunology Research (CCII). Graduate students will serve as guides, facilitating interaction and serving as role models.

3. Exploration Output (Group Work)

Graduate students will act as facilitators for group work on the theme of "Questions Science Should Solve," allowing students to present their thoughts and research findings.

4. Campus Exploration (Fieldwork)

Students can freely explore the Kyoto University campus, including the Kyoto University Museum, University Library, Clock Tower, and student cafeteria, to experience the university's unique characteristics and its atmosphere of academic freedom.

Sales Overview

・Target Audience: High schools nationwide (expansion to junior high schools planned sequentially)

・Capacity: Approximately 40 students per school per day (assuming 24 schools per year for a small-scale start)

・Sales Price: 4,400 yen per participant (tax included)

・Sales Channels: Nippon Travel Co., Ltd. (Group Sales Branches, Corporate Sales Branches, Educational Travel Branches)

Inquiries and applications for this program are scheduled to begin after the fall of fiscal year 2026.

Future Outlook

Following a trial period in the summer of 2026, full-scale operation is planned from the fall onwards. In the future, we are considering expanding the program to overseas high school students, aiming to enhance Kyoto's educational value and contribute to regional revitalization.