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Past TEDx Talks
2018 - First Step
Hiroshi Suzuki “Rice ball connects the local and the world”
The 6th Alumnus of Akita International University. When he was working at a hotel, he faced the declining tourism industry in rural area while the urban area gained more inbound tourism opportunities. He entered Akita International University, making an object to take foreign tourist to suburbs. After his graduation, he started a business in Akita while promoting inbound tourism. Founder and CEO of "Travel Design" (and Hinata Ekisu too), a company devoted to the revitalization of depopulated Japanese towns, liaisons local regions with foreign tourists. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Yuriko Suzuki “What are you made of?”
She is in charge of the “Shun-sai Miso Cha ya Kurao,” a restaurant in Masuda-cho, Yokote-shi in Akita Prefecture. As a proprietress of the restaurant, she serves food that is filled with love along with several other women from the same town who also engage in agriculture works. Also, as a wife and a mother, she does housework and childcare while working in “Haba-Kouji ya,” the store specializing in Kouji in Masuda-cho. A mother, wife, and owner of "Shun-sai Miso Cha ya Kurao" –– a restaurant in Masado-city, Akita Prefecture. Known for her additives-free, texture-rich traditional cuisines, she speciallizes in cuisine that utilize rice-malts.
Carlos Budding "Eye" understand: The power of non-verbal communication”
He was born in Argentina and moved to the USA when he was 12 years old. He received a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Gallaudet University, the only Deaf Liberal Arts University in the USA. He was then employed by a school district where he was a TESOL instructor to Deaf students, and had some of the best educational experiences with his unique group of students. In 2007, he moved to Japan and now teaches English and Spanish at Akita International University. Born in Argentina, moved to the U.S. at the age of 12. After his graduate studies at the only American university that provides a liberal arts degree for deaf students, he taught English to deaf students. Now, he teaches English and Spanish in Japan, at Akita International University.
Etan Ginsberg “Hacking Happiness: How to control emotions with memory techniques”
A tech entrepreneur and a mind and body hacker
He currently holds 2nd place at the World Speed Reading Championship. Also, he represented Team USA at the Global Finals 2017 of the World Memory Championships in Shenzhen, China. He founded the multiple award-winning and nationally recognized startup, Everest Capital. Using trained unorthodox approaches, he has taught himself to do 73 consecutive pull-ups and memorize a 40-digit number in under a minute among other feats of extraordinary human ability.
He currently holds 2nd place at the World Speed Reading Championship. Also, he represented Team USA at the Global Finals 2017 of the World Memory Championships in Shenzhen, China. He founded the multiple award-winning and nationally recognized startup, Everest Capital. Using trained unorthodox approaches, he has taught himself to do 73 consecutive pull-ups and memorize a 40-digit number in under a minute among other feats of extraordinary human ability.
2019 - Now Roading...
Haruki Ito 「想いを紡ぐ」"Community reactivating cooperator"
自分の故郷が”消滅可能性都市”だと言われたことに衝撃を受けた学生時代。自分のふるさとをどうすれば活性化できるのか、自分ができることは何なのか。悩んだ末にたどり着いたのは「地域おこしは人おこし」というアイデアでした。 Born in Noshiro-city, Akita-prefecture, Haruki Ito founded an organization called, community reactivating cooperator squad in Oga-city in Akita. He saw first hand his local community decaying because of the population decrease, and made a group called ARC (Akita×Region×Contribution) when he was a university student and started to revitalize his region. He designs activities that focuses on forest resources, marine resources, and culture that is embedded in the local life. He also contributes in reviving the "Namahage" culture, which is a famous event in Oga-city that has disappeared in certain regions.
Natsumi Nishimura 「言葉を、ただの音にしないために。」
Student (Akita International University)
難民だからこういう支援が必要だろう。支援者とよばれる人ですら「立場だけ」で人を見てしまうから言葉がただの音になる。難民としてでなく一人一人の個人として向き合えたら。「難民」と呼ばれる人々の、大きな渦の中には一人一人の個人の人生があるんだって意識出来たら、「誰のための支援」なのか気づけるはず。
Natsumi Nishimura was born in Hokkaido, and is a freshman at Akita International University. Before entering university, she traveled to Camini in the south of Italy for three months where she joined a NGO to volunteer and lived with the refugees there. Her work in Camini has been featured in the local newspaper of Akita. Currently, her focus is not just to acquire English, but to take advantage of it in order to tackle international issues. She continues to support her family in Camini by sending them clothes.
Natsumi Nishimura was born in Hokkaido, and is a freshman at Akita International University. Before entering university, she traveled to Camini in the south of Italy for three months where she joined a NGO to volunteer and lived with the refugees there. Her work in Camini has been featured in the local newspaper of Akita. Currently, her focus is not just to acquire English, but to take advantage of it in order to tackle international issues. She continues to support her family in Camini by sending them clothes.
Jaimie Monahan “Do something everyday that scares you.” - An ultramarathon and ice swimmer
I've swum the seven seas, I've swum in Antarctica in freezing waters, and I've swum polar ice miles. Why? Because I want to continue challenging myself and do something that scares me every day.
Jaimie Monahan is an ultramarathon and ice swimmer from New York City who has completed open water swimming on all seven continents. Jaimie holds two Guinness World Records and has been voted the World Open Water Swimming Association's Woman of the Year for the past two consecutive years. She is a cold-water swimmer and has represented the United States in over 30 countries as a seven-time US national champion in winter swimming and the inaugural winner of the International Winter Swimming Association’s World Cup. She is the world's first female “Ice cZero” swimmer under the IISA, the first person in history to complete an ice mile on all Seven Continents and has succeeded in the “Ice Sevens Challenge”.
Jaimie Monahan is an ultramarathon and ice swimmer from New York City who has completed open water swimming on all seven continents. Jaimie holds two Guinness World Records and has been voted the World Open Water Swimming Association's Woman of the Year for the past two consecutive years. She is a cold-water swimmer and has represented the United States in over 30 countries as a seven-time US national champion in winter swimming and the inaugural winner of the International Winter Swimming Association’s World Cup. She is the world's first female “Ice cZero” swimmer under the IISA, the first person in history to complete an ice mile on all Seven Continents and has succeeded in the “Ice Sevens Challenge”.
Myke Celis “YOUreka: Discovering personal breakthroughs from brokenness”
A celebrity life coach, bestselling author, serial entrepreneur and a multimedia host/personality,
YOUreka is a term I coined to describe that plot twist when you reach the lowest point in your life. It’s that life-changing AHA moment that hits you hard and makes you realize that there’s life after what broke you. Myke inspires others to discover the best version of themselves via #bestmeever, his self-actualization and personal breakthrough platform as a celebrity life coach, bestselling author, serial entrepreneur and a multimedia host/personality in the Philippines. When not busy giving talks, coaching, hosting or doing media guestings in between, he finds time to work out and travel, spreading good vibes and positivity while touching and changing one life at a time everywhere he goes.
YOUreka is a term I coined to describe that plot twist when you reach the lowest point in your life. It’s that life-changing AHA moment that hits you hard and makes you realize that there’s life after what broke you. Myke inspires others to discover the best version of themselves via #bestmeever, his self-actualization and personal breakthrough platform as a celebrity life coach, bestselling author, serial entrepreneur and a multimedia host/personality in the Philippines. When not busy giving talks, coaching, hosting or doing media guestings in between, he finds time to work out and travel, spreading good vibes and positivity while touching and changing one life at a time everywhere he goes.
2020 - Drive
Mitsuru Senda 「人を元気にする環境」
空間には人を動かす力がある。私は「遊環構造」というこどものあそびやすい空間の7つの条件をもつ空間が人を元気にすると考えた。新しいコンセプトやアイディアを認めてくれる人に出会い、良いアイディアをもった人を応援し、感動に満ちた空間を作り上げていこう。 He is an environment architect and the chairman of the Environment Design Institute. He “designs” the environment for the future based on his "Circular Play System Theory", a structure theory of designing an open space for children to play in. Some of his masterpieces include Toyama Children’s Center (the 25th JIA Award), Minamioguni town office (the Architecture Award of Trees), Hiroshima Municipal Baseball Stadium (the Japan Institute of Architect Award), Akita International University’s library (the Japan Institute of Architect Award, the 24th Murano Tongo Prize, the Good Design Award), and so on. He has taught architecture at universities, and has published books, such as “Design of Children's Play Environments” (1992), “Hito ga Atsumaru Kenchiku” (2013), and “Kodomo wo Hagukumu Kankyou Mushibamu Kankyou” (2018).
Janina Scarlet “This is Your Origin Story”
Every day, people struggle, and so do superheroes. If you are struggling, remember that this is your hero’s journey. And if you are scared, this is you being brave. You matter. You make a difference. So, please, keep superheroing and don’t forget your cape. Dr. Scarlet is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, an award-winning author, and a full-time geek. A Ukrainian-born refugee, she survived Chernobyl radiation and persecution. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her family and later, inspired by the X-Men, developed Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Dr. Scarlet is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the United Nations Association for her work on Superhero Therapy. She currently works as a lead trauma specialist at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego, CA.
Rena Tsunoda 「魅せる 〜魅了する力、魅了される力〜」
アーティスティックスイミングに取り組んで学んだこと。それは表現したいという情熱的な思いが大切であること。魅了する力を持つだけでなく、魅了される力も持つことで自分を輝かせよう。 From ages 7 to 18, she has dedicated herself to artistic swimming, (previously known as synchronized swimming) being successful in many championships. Turning 18, she retired from her career as a performer and entered Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus. Eager to learn from the performance of Spanish athletes
With a wider perspective, she now learns the language and has paid some visits to the country.
With a wider perspective, she now learns the language and has paid some visits to the country.
Matthew Smith “From Biographical 0 to Successful Diplomat”
3 Gems Made My Diplomatic Dream Come True
My current career as a U.S. Embassy in Japan began in 2000. How? People in Akita had given me the three gems I needed to succeed in my life: “humility,” “gaman (我慢),” and “listening to others.” Matthew D. Smith is from Brooklyn, New York, and serves as Minister-Counselor for Management Affairs, US Embassy in Japan. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Matthew Smith moved to Akita prefecture, Japan with his family in 1997. After teaching English for the JET Program at a high school in Kakunodate for two years, he passed the Foreign Service Officer Test. He has served in Cameroon, France, Eritrea, and Jordan. His career with the United States Department of State began in 2000 and he has received two Superior Honor Awards and six Meritorious Honor Awards.
My current career as a U.S. Embassy in Japan began in 2000. How? People in Akita had given me the three gems I needed to succeed in my life: “humility,” “gaman (我慢),” and “listening to others.” Matthew D. Smith is from Brooklyn, New York, and serves as Minister-Counselor for Management Affairs, US Embassy in Japan. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Matthew Smith moved to Akita prefecture, Japan with his family in 1997. After teaching English for the JET Program at a high school in Kakunodate for two years, he passed the Foreign Service Officer Test. He has served in Cameroon, France, Eritrea, and Jordan. His career with the United States Department of State began in 2000 and he has received two Superior Honor Awards and six Meritorious Honor Awards.
Takae Endo 「若者の流出をストップせよ。秋田在住デザイナーが達成した3つのミッション」
2200年の秋田県は、無居住化によって財政破綻すると推測。一人の一般人では解決することができないから、誰かがやってくれるだろう。そんな時期はとっくにすぎているのかもしれない。大切なのは、何か変えたいと思ったら「問題をポジティブに解決するアイデアと行動力」が全てということ。 Takae Endo was born in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and has graduated from Akita University of Art. She is the president of the company, design-farm. The company’s main office is located in Akita and there is a branch office in Shibuya. Her main work is graphic design, web design, and product branding. Furthermore, she is strongly interested in regional revitalization, so she plans and manages some events. She is a member of “ Shibuya wo tunageru 30 nin (30 people who connect Sibuya)” and the staff of “Sibuya University”, where she participates in “Shibuya radio” once a month as a regular speaker and connects Shibuya people and Akita people.
2021 - Souvenear
Laura Kopilow 「自分らしく生きる」
"Consumer business advisor at the Embassy of Finland in Japan"
Individuals have their own way to live. The speaker shares a tip which could encourage you to live as you are. Cherishing "Oma rauha" 「自分らしさ」 is the idea from Finland for you who survive the modern society.
Laura Kopilow is from Espoo, Finland, and has been living in Japan for ten years. She works as a consumer business advisor at the Embassy of Finland in Japan, supporting Finnish interior and fashion companies to conduct business in Japan and introducing the Finnish lifestyle in Japan. She appeared on the Japanese TV show “Sekaiichi Uketai Jyugyou (The Most Useful School in the World)” as Laura-sensei (professor Laura) in March 2020. After studying abroad in Japan twice (Hakodate Shirayuri Gakuen Senior High School, School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University), she graduated from the University of Helsinki. Ms.Kopilow also graduated from Hokkaido University Graduate School of Law as a Japanese Government Scholarship Student. Her hobbies are eating Japanese parfait desserts, running, and sauna.
Laura Kopilow is from Espoo, Finland, and has been living in Japan for ten years. She works as a consumer business advisor at the Embassy of Finland in Japan, supporting Finnish interior and fashion companies to conduct business in Japan and introducing the Finnish lifestyle in Japan. She appeared on the Japanese TV show “Sekaiichi Uketai Jyugyou (The Most Useful School in the World)” as Laura-sensei (professor Laura) in March 2020. After studying abroad in Japan twice (Hakodate Shirayuri Gakuen Senior High School, School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University), she graduated from the University of Helsinki. Ms.Kopilow also graduated from Hokkaido University Graduate School of Law as a Japanese Government Scholarship Student. Her hobbies are eating Japanese parfait desserts, running, and sauna.
Nikola Brendan「ほら、方言っこ亡ぼさねでけれ！Don’t let Dialects Die!」
Member of the Yuwa Tanka Poetry Club, electrical engineer, translator in Akita-city
Brendan Nikola majored in renewable energy engineering and minored in philosophy at the Oregon Institute of Technology, graduated summa cum laude, and studied Japanese at Waseda University and Akita International University as an exchange student. His interests relate to various subjects such as Tanka poetry, kintsugi, traveling, reading, collecting shrine seals, and language studies. He has had a few of his poems published in the Sakigake newspaper, and he contributed an article titled "How a Wind Chime got me into Tanka Poetry." He is also passionate about and independently researches Japanese dialects and fonds of the Akita dialect spoken in northeastern Japan.
Brendan Nikola majored in renewable energy engineering and minored in philosophy at the Oregon Institute of Technology, graduated summa cum laude, and studied Japanese at Waseda University and Akita International University as an exchange student. His interests relate to various subjects such as Tanka poetry, kintsugi, traveling, reading, collecting shrine seals, and language studies. He has had a few of his poems published in the Sakigake newspaper, and he contributed an article titled "How a Wind Chime got me into Tanka Poetry." He is also passionate about and independently researches Japanese dialects and fonds of the Akita dialect spoken in northeastern Japan.
Shin Osuka「秋田から地方創生のロールモデルを」
Executive director at a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) called AKITA INU TOURISM
Akita prefecture, Japan is one of the societies where the issues of low birth rate and aging society are seriously affecting the life of people there. This talk provides an opportunity to consider how to revitalize the local community through the ideas from social entrepreneurship. The speaker introduces some ideas for your community.
Shin Osuka was formerly working for an American airline and currently works as an executive director at a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) called AKITA INU TOURISM. He is in charge of strengthening a seamless relationship with the related local governments and focuses on building strong ties between residents and officers. Through his works, Mr.Osuka is passionately trying to globalize the Japanese version of DMO. In addition, as a licensed Japanese language teacher, he is committed to the popularization of the Yasashii Nihongo (Plain Japanese) as a communication tool. He likes traveling, eating around, and sharing local information through SNS.
Akita prefecture, Japan is one of the societies where the issues of low birth rate and aging society are seriously affecting the life of people there. This talk provides an opportunity to consider how to revitalize the local community through the ideas from social entrepreneurship. The speaker introduces some ideas for your community.
Shin Osuka was formerly working for an American airline and currently works as an executive director at a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) called AKITA INU TOURISM. He is in charge of strengthening a seamless relationship with the related local governments and focuses on building strong ties between residents and officers. Through his works, Mr.Osuka is passionately trying to globalize the Japanese version of DMO. In addition, as a licensed Japanese language teacher, he is committed to the popularization of the Yasashii Nihongo (Plain Japanese) as a communication tool. He likes traveling, eating around, and sharing local information through SNS.
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