Influencer, kantaro_japanwalker

A walk through the country (with a Shiba Inu) what could be a better odyssey?

Kantaro has embarked on an ambitious journey across the country on foot, sharing his adventure on social media and gaining global connections along the way. 

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But fear not, he’s not alone. He’s accompanied by San-chan, the adorable Shiba Inu he adopted in Beppu, which, coincidentally, is also where TEDxAPU will be held. Come along and witness how his journey transforms into the experience of a lifetime!

President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University

Vice Chancellor, Ritsumeikan Trust

As the president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, I am passionate about fostering international understanding. Our university’s vision aligns with my mission to bridge Japan and the world. Every day, I happily lead an institution that nurtures over 6,000 students from 110+ countries, helping them grow into a diverse, inclusive community built on mutual respect. Collaborating with our dedicated faculty and staff, we discuss everything from future visions to daily matters. Our alumni continually inspire me as they build impactful careers worldwide, contributing to a better future for humanity.

Chairman, Social Welfare Corporation Taiyo no Ie

At the age of one, he developed polio due to persistent high fever, and became wheelchair-bound. In 1984, he joined Mitsubishi Corporation Taiyo Co., Ltd., an IT company, and became its president and CEO in 2014 and chairman in 2016. In 2018, he retired and became chairman of Taiyo no Ie. To make Taiyo no Ie a leading model for a symbiotic society and realize the vision of a "society in which people with disabilities are not left behind," in recent years he has been focusing on the employment of people with mental and developmental disabilities in particular.

In August 2023, he published a book about his life, "So What If I'm Quadriplegic?"

Student Speaker League Winner

Originally from Fukushima Prefecture. Second year student at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. She had a difficult time because she viewed herself negatively as "different from others". She went to Germany at the age of 18 to change herself. There, she realized that "there are places all over the world where you belong". After returning to Japan, she became a radio personality for the Peace Cell Project, a general incorporated association, to convey her vision that "people can shine just the way they are".  After entering university, she served as vice president of "APU Japanese Radio", a gathering of students who aspire to work in the media industry in the future, where they engage in practical activities such as filming for YouTube and radio recordings. After that, she founded "Radio version of Exploration Festival - Radio dyed in your own color" in an effort to create a world full of challenges, and is currently active as its representative.

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I continue to take on challenges every day in order to "make myself and others shine." I live my life cherishing my natural cheerfulness and positivity. However, there was one time when I went through days when I was no longer able to laugh. Having experienced rock bottom, I can share some tips to brighten up your life. Now, let's open the door to your own challenge!

Student Speaker League Winner

I am a writer with experience spanning as a ghostwriting for a US publishing company, leading as a scriptwriter for Philippine Week, and contributing my writing to the Transitions APU Project. Writing has always been my solace, a medium through which I explore life’s most profound experiences, especially grief. I never imagined a life without my mom, but her passing shaped my understanding of loss, love, and resilience. My TEDx talk reflects this journey, offering a personal yet universal perspective on how the digital age transforms how we grieve and remember. Through words, I hope to connect, heal, and inspire.

Student Speaker League Winner

An active member of PASA with experiences in hosting circle events, and leading the Fashion Show department in Philippine Week 2024. In the Philippines, I was an AFS volunteer which helped exchange students with their exchange program and guide them in experiencing the Filipino Culture.

They say laughter is the best medicine, in that case I must be overdosing. My name I’m Sunny, and I tried to live by my name of being the brightest person you’ll meet. One thing I’m proud of is my ability to make people laugh. I often do it with jokes but since my jokes don’t always land, The best technique that works for me is laughing. After all, laughter is contagious. And scientists back this information up. However, there are certain points in my life where I noticed, laughter served a different purpose. Something that I once thought of as a product of happiness accompanied me in the lowest parts of my life. For my talk, I want to share a story of a joker becoming a joke, a joke that doesn’t land, but it still got some laughs. I swear it’s not as gruesome as the Joaquin Phoenix movie. If you let me, perhaps we could share a laugh or 2.