National Yunlin University of Science and Technology (YunTech) has launched the project “Creative Cultural Practices Integrating Digital Technology and Traditional Craftsmanship in Japan” under the Ministry of Education's Xuehai Zhu Meng (Overseas Internship) Program. Through this initiative, five students were selected to participate in an intensive two-month internship in Japan, gaining hands-on experience in Kyoto and Yokohama while demonstrating the interdisciplinary design capabilities of Taiwan's emerging creative talent.
In the field of traditional craftsmanship, three students completed their internships at Yourai (ようらい), a cultural and creative center in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto. Under the guidance of master craftswoman Teruko Ishimura, the students transformed vintage kimonos into contemporary dresses and fashion accessories. Interns Pei-Chi Sun and Tzu-Yu Hung gained a deeper appreciation of basting, a fundamental technique in Japanese dressmaking, and incorporated this traditional craftsmanship into the creation of several original garments. Meanwhile, Chin-Yu Wu designed a brand mascot and product labels for Yourai, contributing to its visual identity. Selected products were also exhibited and offered for sale at local handmade craft markets in Kyoto, providing opportunities for the students to interact with local artisans and promote Taiwanese culture.
In the field of digital technology, two students interned at Holon Create, a design company based in Yokohama. Under the guidance of Professor Katsuo Inoue, a consultant specializing in Kansei Engineering, the students explored multivariate scientific analysis techniques, including the Semantic Differential (SD) method and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for decision validation.
Ting-Yu Liu developed a user interface (UI) that integrates Python scripts with camera-based recognition technology to identify Japanese yen denominations and convert their values into New Taiwan dollars in real time. Ting-Hsuan Feng designed the interface for an AI-powered fashion application and, under the guidance of CEO Takeshi Ikuhara, used the Hotmock module to develop an AI-powered smart mirror for men. Both students also collaborated on designing a game UI and producing an AI-enhanced promotional video for TANYS.
During the internship period, Associate Professor Tun-Hsueh Chan, the project principal investigator, traveled to Japan to conduct on-site evaluations of the students' internship performance. He also led visits to Kyoto Women's University and YunTech's sister institution, Kyoto Sangyo University, further strengthening academic and industry–academia ties between Taiwan and Japan.
Throughout their internships, the students demonstrated strong cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to translate design concepts into practical outcomes. Building on these achievements, YunTech plans to further strengthen students' practical language skills and organize joint Taiwan–Japan cross-cultural design exhibitions and international workshops. These initiatives aim to establish a collaborative international platform that brings together cultural creativity, digital technology, and design innovation.
Kimono Upcycling Design Created by Student Tzu-Yu Hung
Student Ting-Hsuan Feng Presents a Mobile App Interface Design
Yourai President Sei Nakamura Guides Three Student Interns Through a Kimono Experience in Kyoto
Responsible Unit: Bachelor’s Program in Interdisciplinary Integrated Design
Director: Deng-Chuan Tsai
Contact Person: Chien-Hung Lai
Telephone: +886-5-534-2601, Ext. 6030
Mobile: +886-939-205-532 (Division Chief Chiang)
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