Educational background
Auckland University of Technology（AUT）, Ph.D. (Tourism)
Key words for education
Business Management, Public Management, Tourism Studies, Sustainability, Sociology of Sport, Community Development, Cross-cultural Communication
Sample courses
Business Management, Public Management, Governance
Features of my courses
In my classes, I focus on helping students understand key theories by connecting their background and historical context with real-world issues and personal experiences. Alongside lectures, we use discussions, group work, and case studies to explore organizations and society from different perspectives and to develop critical thinking skills. At times, we may also go slightly off topic where possible, as I believe this can further deepen our shared learning. Through teamwork, students also gain practical skills such as adapting their roles and communication styles to different situations. Drawing on examples from tourism studies, I aim to provide a safe learning environment where students can actively consider how they want to engage with organizations and society, and how they might contribute to positive change.
Key words for research
Social Sustainability, Cultural Sustainability, Cultural Tourism, Sports Tourism, Community Resilience, Governance, Community Empowerment, Cross-cultural communication, Japanese Ethno-Epistemology
Key publications and conference presentations
- Morita, T. (2025). Exploring the role of martial arts tourism in social and cultural sustainability [Doctoral thesis, Auckland University of Technology]. Tuwhera Open Repository. Currently embargoed.
- Morita, T., & Johnston, C. S. (2018). Are they all “serendipitous”? International Journal of Tourism Research,20(3), 378 378-387. doi: 10.1002/jt r.2189
- Morita, T., & Johnston, C. S. (2015, January 10–12). A comparison between types of heritage tourists in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Abstract presented at theAsia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (APacCHRIE) Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Morita, T. (2014). Spoiled for choice! Which sites shall we visit: Destination choice of heritage attractions in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands [Master’s thesis , Auckland University of Technology]. Tuwhera Open Repository.
What I like about Discovery
From 2004 to March 2026, I lived in New Zealand, where I worked and engaged with people from diverse cultural backgrounds through my professional life, volunteer work, community activities, and my hobby of Shorinji Kempo. Through discussions in business and educational settings, I learned a great deal about different communication styles and values across cultures. I strongly believe that our deepest learning happens when assumptions we take for granted are challenged. The Discovery Program offers students the opportunity to gain these kinds of experiences while staying in Japan and at an early stage of life. The critical thinking, adaptability, collaborative skills, and dialogue skills developed through this program will be valuable well beyond university. I encourage you to learn through trial and error and to continue growing every day.
