Past TEDx event

TEDxKobe

Local

Took placeDecember 22, 2024
LocationKobe, Hyôgo, Japan
FormatStandard
The theme for TEDxKobe 2024 is “Local.” This word had been on my mind even before we began planning this year’s TEDxKobe activities, as I thought, “For our 10th year, this is the theme I want to embrace!” The reason for this is that while the “x” in TEDx, as indicated below the logo, stands for “independent,” I’ve always believed it also represents “Local”—respecting the individuality of each region and sharing the unique strengths and characteristics that define it. At this significant 10-year milestone, I wanted to focus not on the world but first on the things that exist only in our local community. Furthermore, “Local” doesn’t just mean “hometown” or “region”—it also encourages us to look at our own foundations and inner selves. This is why, in our main visual, the “l” in “Local” is illustrated as a lighthouse, symbolizing light and guidance. Through TEDxKobe 2024, I hope you will shine a light on your foundations and inner worlds and share those insights with others. Doing so can deepen our mutual understanding and expand an even more prosperous TEDxKobe community. Additionally, you, the very first audience, will receive the many “ideas” shared on today’s stage, and together, we can carry them forward—transforming them into new value that spreads from Kobe to the world! As we set out toward the next decade, let’s begin with “Local.” TEDxKobe 2024のテーマは「Local」としました。 この言葉は、今年のTEDxKobeの活動を始める前から 「10年目はこのテーマで行きたい！」と心に浮かんでいました。 というのも、TEDxの「x」は、ロゴの下にも書かれている通り、「independent（独立した）」という意味がありますが、 それだけではなく、各地域の独自性を尊重し、それぞれが持つ特色や力を発信するという意味で「Local」の意味も持っていると考えていたからです。10周年という節目となる時に、世界を意識することよりも、まずは自分の「地元」にしかないものを見定めようと思ったのです。 また、「Local」は「地元」や「地域」という意味だけではなく、 私たち一人一人の「足元」や「内面」にも目を向けようという意味も 込められています。その意味で、メインビジュアル内の「Local」の「l」の字を「灯台」のイラストにしています。 TEDxKobe 2024を通じて、ぜひ皆さん自身の「足元」や［内面」にも光を当て、気付いたことを周りの皆さんと共有することで、互いの理解を深め、より豊かなTEDxKobeコミュニティを広げていければ嬉しく思います。また、本日ステージ上から発信される数々の「アイデア」も、皆さんが最初の受け取り手となり、新たな価値として神戸から世界へ広げていきましょう！！ 次の新たな１０年に向けて、「Local」から始めましょう。

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

  • Hikari IWAHASHI

    Life Career Practitioner

    President of MY Compass, Inc. and part-time lecturer at Ochanomizu University. Born in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture. After graduating from university, Hikari became independent after her tenure at Seven Bank. She aims to create a society where women can live happily and flexibly utilize their talents through life stage changes, while offering life career support for women. YouTube: “Hikari Iwahashi - Life Career Channel.” Her media appearances include Nikkei WOMAN, Oggi, Marisol, Yomiuri Newspaper, Daily Industrial News, and many others. She is the author of The Strongest Life Career Theory (Jiji Press).

  • Hokuto MUTOU

    Shrimp Factory Manager

    President and Factory Manager of Papua New Guinea Marine Products, Inc. Born in Fukuoka in 1975 and a father of three, Hokuto graduated from Shibaura Institute of Technology with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He began his career delivering goods at Tsukiji Market, then joined Papua New Guinea Marine Products in 2000. Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, which destroyed the company’s headquarters and restaurant, he relocated to Osaka due to concerns over the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Despite facing double debt, he restarted operations in Ibaraki City, Osaka. In 2020, he built a new factory in Settsu City and became CEO in 2021. Since 2013, Hokuto has promoted work reforms, such as a “Free Schedule” system allowing employees to choose their workdays freely, fostering a stress-free workplace. He received the 2021 WORK DESIGN AWARD Grand Prix and has authored A Workplace for Living: Unbound Work Methods at a Small Shrimp Factory (East Press).

  • Kei HIRABAYASHI

    Social Innovator

    After working as a hairstylist, Kei joined the educational corporation Sankou Academy in 2004, beginning his career in teaching. In December 2016, he founded Totto Link Inc. and became its CEO. He currently manages three after-school daycare services in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. In November 2019, he established the Japan Association for Disability Fashion as a general incorporated association and became its executive director. In September 2022, he organized a fashion show featuring only wheelchair models at Paris Fashion Week under the NextUD brand, “bottom’all.” In February 2024, he established the Japan Welfare Medical Fashion Association as a general incorporated association and became its executive director. He is currently working on the “Diaper Collection” for the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo.

  • Kiyou SHIMIZU

    Born in Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture, Kiyou is affiliated with MIKI HOUSE. She started practicing karate in the third grade of elementary school, influenced by her older brother. Inspired by a senior’s performance at the dojo, she found karate both cool and beautiful, and devoted herself to kata as a way of expressing herself. She gained national recognition during middle school and, as a high school senior, won the National High School General Athletic Meet. At the age of 20, the youngest ever, she won her first All-Japan Championship and went on to achieve seven consecutive victories. She also won two consecutive World Championships and earned a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She retired from competition in May 2024. Since retiring, she has been participating in karate events and seminars both domestically and internationally, focusing on training successors and promoting karate.

  • Mari TEZUKA

    President of “Kodomo Banpaku” (Kids Expo)

    After gaining experience in the medical field as a nurse, Mari established Kodomo Candy Co., Ltd. in 2022. She runs “Kodomo Candy,” a school for nurturing young entrepreneurs both in person and online, providing children with opportunities to pursue their dreams. As the executive chairperson, she founded the “Kodomo Banpaku (Kids Expo)” event and grew it into a national-scale event, attracting 40,000 attendees. In collaboration with Hyogo Prefecture, she plans to hold the “Hyogo Kodomo Banpaku (Kids Expo)” at five locations within the prefecture during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. At the Expo Messe venue of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, she aims to realize a next-generation “Kodomo Banpaku” using digital twin technology in cooperation with Meta Osaka.

  • Ryohei ONISHI

    Interpreter

    Ryohei is a simultaneous interpreter. After working in 6 different companies as in-house interpreter, he became a freelancer in 2020. He has interpreted for Taiwan's Digital Minister, Paris Saint-Germain, President of United Nations University, Santa Claus, among others. Ryohei teaches at a university, too. As interpreting gave him the voice of others, Ryohei believes training interpretation is meaningful in itself.

  • Yasuhiro Sakai IKUTA SHRINE

    Court Dance and Music “Ranryo-oh”

    Gagaku, which incorporates dance and originated in China, is referred to as "Bugaku" when performed as a dance. The dance of "Ranryo-oh" is based on the story of a historical Chinese figure, the Prince of Lan Ling, who wore a dragon-shaped mask to inspire his allies. His dance became the symbol for a victory dance, which is considered highly auspicious. In Japan, during the late 12th century, Taira no Kiyomori relocated the music department from Shitennoji Temple in Osaka to Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima, ensuring the preservation of Bugaku to this day. Yasuhiro Sakai, the Gon-Negi (Junior priest) of Ikuta Shrine, studied Bugaku at Itsukushima Shrine while training as a Shinto priest. He later introduced Bugaku to Ikuta Shrine, where activities continue under the name “Ikuta Gagaku Kai.”

  • Younin KOIKE

    Monk of Sumadera Temple, YouTuber

    Chief Administrative Officer of Sumadera Temple, a prominent temple in Suma Ward, Kobe City. After graduating from university, Younin underwent training at Daigoji Temple’s Denpo Gakuin and Kiyoshikojin Seicho-ji Temple. He successfully completed a walking pilgrimage to the 88 temples of Shikoku. Winner of the inaugural H-1 Grand Prix Sermon Competition in Hyogo and the first Sermon Grand Prix on Fuji Television. Featured on NHK’s “10 Monks” and TV Tokyo’s “Quiz with No Right Answer.” Hosts the weekly segment “Radio Sermon: A Deep Breath for the Soul” every Saturday on Radio Kansai. Contributes a monthly column to the “Forest of Culture” section in the national edition of the Mainichi Newspaper. Delivers sermons on the YouTube channel “Sumadera Koike Younin’s Essays.” Author of Prescriptions for a Weary Mind (Kashiwa Shobo), Prajna Paramita Heart Sutra Tracing Practice Book for Autonomic Nerve Regulation (Fusosha), and co-author of Asked 10 Monks (Kodansha).

Organizing team