Meet the youngest-ever mayor in Japan's history

Name: Meet the youngest-ever mayor in Japan's history
Uploaded: 2026-08-14T14:21:45Z
Duration: 5 min 42 s
Description: TED Fellow Ryosuke Takashima is the youngest-ever mayor in Japan's history — but he doesn't consider himself a politician. His approach to leadership is simple: listen to as many voices as possible (from students to elders) in order to figure out what needs fixing. Hear why he thinks inviting citizens to participate in reforming their own communities is the best way to get things done.

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Ryosuke Takashima |

TED Fellows Films 2026

• April 2026

TED Fellow Ryosuke Takashima is the youngest-ever mayor in Japan's history — but he doesn't consider himself a politician. His approach to leadership is simple: listen to as many voices as possible (from students to elders) in order to figure out what needs fixing. Hear why he thinks inviting citizens to participate in reforming their own communities is the best way to get things done.