Chika Asamoto

Artist, Musician, Producer

I am a musician, recognized as Japan’s first female professional saxophonist, who has released nine albums with major record labels and performs actively both domestically and internationally. I relocated from Tokyo to Miura, a small peninsula city in Kanagawa Prefecture. Living here, I have been inspired by the region’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. While Miura is nationally known for its tuna and tourism, it is also facing serious challenges such as population decline and limited resources for children’s sports, music, and education. My motivation for organizing TEDxMiura comes from a desire to explore new ways to revitalize the community beyond tourism and traditional industries. By sharing innovative ideas on education, culture, community building, and sustainable industries with local residents, we aim to demonstrate that even a small city can take bold steps toward regeneration.

I'm passionate about exploring how small communities can thrive through education, culture, community building, and sustainable industries. From the perspective of an artist and musician, I believe that art and music can be generated and shared from regional towns, creating original cultural expressions that draw on local heritage and identity. By bringing together innovative thinkers and local residents, I hope to inspire actionable ideas that help regenerate Miura City while preserving its unique heritage and natural resources.

TEDxMiura is a community-driven event held in Miura City, a scenic peninsula town near Tokyo, Japan, renowned for its rich fisheries, agriculture, and natural beauty. Like many regional towns, Miura faces challenges including population decline, the need for sustainable local industries, and the preservation of cultural heritage. TEDxMiura provides a platform to explore innovative solutions to these challenges by connecting ideas, people, and local resources. The event brings together inspiring speakers, educators, cultural leaders, and innovators from Japan and abroad to share ideas that go beyond conventional tourism or short-term development. Talks, workshops, and interactive sessions will explore sustainable fisheries, regenerative agriculture, environmental conservation, innovative education models, and strategies to strengthen community cohesion. Local residents, students, and professionals are invited to engage directly with speakers, fostering dialogue and collaboration that can translate into actionable solutions for the city. Highlights of TEDxMiura include: Inspiring talks on community regeneration, sustainable primary industries, education, and culture. Cultural experiences, including local music and arts performances that celebrate the city’s heritage. Culinary experiences showcasing Miura’s famous tuna and other local specialties, creating a tangible connection between ideas and place. Opportunities for networking and collaboration with visionary thinkers from Japan and abroad. By sharing innovative ideas on education, culture, community building, and sustainable industries with local residents, TEDxMiura aims to demonstrate that even a small city can take bold, creative steps toward regeneration. This event embodies the TED mission of “Ideas Worth Spreading,” showing that transformative ideas can emerge from any corner of the world, regardless of size.

My TED journey began in Bali, where I had the incredible opportunity to participate as a performer at a TED event. The experience was truly inspiring, showing me how ideas, culture, and creativity can come together to make a lasting impact. I was especially moved by the speech of John Hardy, the founder of Green School, whose vision for educating the next generation of global leaders through a curriculum rooted in nature and local culture deeply resonated with me. This experience inspired me to bring the TEDx spirit to Miura, connecting local culture, education, and community in a meaningful way.

turning ideas into action and connecting with the community.