In this inspiring TEDx talk, Manami Inada, a junior high school student born deaf, shares her journey of navigating the world with a cochlear implant and the invaluable support of her community. Beyond physical accommodations, Manami introduces the concept of “barrier-free minds”—a call for emotional and mental openness to truly support and understand individuals with disabilities. From her experiences during emergencies where auditory information was inaccessible, to her performance as a deaf dancer at the Tokyo Paralympics closing ceremony, Manami emphasizes the importance of empathy, proactive communication, and mutual respect. She also sheds light on the upcoming Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, advocating for greater awareness and inclusivity. Join Manami as she dances towards a future where society embraces both physical and emotional accessibility, ensuring everyone can live freely and connect authentically. Manami was diagnosed with severe hearing loss at five months old. Completely deaf, she has been using a cochlear implant since age two and undergoing habilitation to maximize her hearing. After graduating from a local public elementary school, she now attends a private girls’ junior high. Among her many experiences, dancing became her passion. She has danced since childhood and is a member of her school’s dance club.Manami believes that while accessible facilities like ramps, elevators, and communication services have become more common, what’s truly needed is a “barrier-free mindset” to create a society where everyone can live comfortably.Dreaming of becoming an editor, Manami finds comfort in reading—an activity that helps her relax when she struggles with hearing. She reads about 100 books a year and participates in national “bibliobattles” (book discussion competitions). She is actively pursuing her dream through various activities inside and outside of school. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this inspiring TEDx talk, Tetsuro Nishiyama explores the transformative power of recognizing and nurturing individual strengths. Drawing from his personal journey—from a student feeling overshadowed by peers to becoming a leader in education and even venturing into acting—Tetsuro emphasizes the importance of shifting educational paradigms to focus on students’ unique talents rather than standardized testing. He delves into: The limitations of traditional education systems.The significance of creativity and self-discovery in personal growth.The impact of strengths-based leadership on teams and communities.Tetsuro’s message is clear: by uncovering and embracing our unique superpowers, we can lead more fulfilling lives and inspire others to do the same. English teacher at Todaiji Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, Principal of Kori Nevers Gakuin Elementary School, and director of the international course establishment office at Showa Women’s University Elementary School.Completed the SLA (second language) course at Temple University Graduate School. Co-representative of the Akatsuki no Kai, a grassroots English study group. Xford University Press ORT Extensive Reading Seminar Instructor, Shizuoka City English Education Advisor, TEDxOshikaPark Representative, HPDU High School High School Improvisational English Debate West Japan Representative, Author of “English Grammar for Speaking”. Education will change as more teachers embrace diversity communicating with people outside of school and experiencing a wide variety of opportunities outside of school. By meeting people from various genres, we can become a hub or platform of encounters for children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this heartfelt TEDx talk, Kaho Takamatsu explores the multifaceted nature of happiness and mental well-being. She delves into the importance of self-awareness, the pitfalls of over-caring and constant comparison, and the value of embracing sadness as a pathway to genuine happiness. Drawing from personal experiences, Kaho emphasizes: Self-awareness: Recognizing and validating one’s true emotions as the first step toward happiness.Letting go: Understanding the necessity of not overburdening oneself with external expectations and comparisons.Embracing sadness: Viewing sadness not as a weakness but as a natural emotion that enhances the appreciation of joyful moments.Seeking support: Highlighting the significance of reaching out and building trusting relationships, especially in cultures where mental health discussions are stigmatized.Kaho’s message is a gentle reminder that happiness is not a constant state but a journey of self-acceptance, resilience, and connection with others. Kaho Takamatsu is a 15-year-old 9th grader. She moved to Minnesota, USA, at age four, then to Arizona at six, and returned to Japan just before turning nine. Moving at a young age brought both blessings and challenges, shaping her perspective on life. Through her speech, Kaho hopes to inspire others to cherish every day and every person they encounter—because you never know where life will take you.Making the world happier can feel like an overwhelming goal. But what if it’s simpler than we think? What if you could make the world happier just by being happy yourself? Are you happy right now? When are you happiest? Is it possible to be happy all the time? The truth is, happiness starts with you, and it becomes simple once you overcome the greatest enemy of all… This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this heartfelt TEDx talk, Shunichi Karube, a 4th grader from Mukoyama Elementary School in Tokyo, shares his moving journey toward understanding peace and friendship across cultures. Despite never having lived outside of Tokyo or formally studied English, Shunichi’s life changed after a trip to Phuket, Thailand, where he discovered the joy of communicating beyond language barriers. Inspired by the connections he made, he realized that if people can become friends without speaking the same language, learning languages could make bonds even stronger. Shunichi’s passion for peace deepened after learning about the tragedies of World War II. Witnessing the stories of loss on television moved him to think deeply about how important it is to build a peaceful world — starting with understanding and kindness across cultures. In this speech, he shares: His experience making friends abroad despite language differences.His dreams of a world where communication and compassion overcome barriers.A young but powerful call to action for everyone to work together for peace.Through the simple yet profound eyes of a child, Shunichi reminds us: peace is possible when we choose to understand each other — one friendship at a time. Shunichi is a 4th grader at a public elementary school in Tokyo. Although he has never lived outside Tokyo or learned English, a trip to Phuket, Thailand, during his 3rd-grade summer vacation opened his eyes to the joy of communication. Playing with people from different countries, he discovered how fun it is to connect, even without speaking the same language. This experience inspired him to believe that learning English could help build even stronger friendships. That’s why he challenged himself to give an English speech. Around the same time, Shunichi was deeply moved by learning about the many lives lost during World War II through a TV program. This sparked his thoughts about peace. For him, this speech marks the beginning of his personal journey to promote peace. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

In this inspiring TEDx talk, 10-year-old USA-based speaker Ryuzo Kumei shares a surprising message: chores aren’t just boring tasks — they are the foundation of life skills. Drawing from his own experience growing up in a family where “chores first, homework later” was the rule, Ryuzo explores how simple household duties teach decision-making, confidence, and kindness. Through heartfelt stories and a touch of humor, Ryuzo explains: How chores teach critical thinking and problem-solving by encouraging kids to find smarter ways to work.Why being appreciated for small contributions builds real self-confidence.How everyday tasks foster a natural sense of empathy and responsibility toward others.He also challenges parents to rethink common habits that might unintentionally block their children’s growth — like constantly waking them up, fixing their mistakes, or focusing too much on grades. Instead, Ryuzo offers a simple but powerful call to action: Trust your kids. Let them experience failure. Appreciate their efforts. And let them do chores! By giving children these opportunities, we raise a generation that can make decisions independently, care deeply, and thrive with real-world skills. Join Ryuzo as he shows us that the road to leadership, resilience, and kindness starts at home — one chore at a time. My journey began with a simple question in high school: “How many of you have done laundry before?” Majority not responding shocked me. From this, I founded Kumei Academy, a program empowering children with life skills through household chores. As a founder of Nigiyaka LLC., I’ve seen firsthand how chores create opportunities to say “thank you”, which build confidence, foster independence, and strengthen family bonds. My work has taken me to schools, municipalities, and national conferences (including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ WAW! and the Cabinet Office’s National Conference on Gender Equality), sharing the transformative power of household chores. Keio University Law graduate, recently joined DeNA. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

“Awaken the Muse: An Interactive Art Experience,” this interactive art show is designed to transform the audience’s energy into a live, collaborative art piece. The experience will engage both the local art community and TEDx participants in a creative dialogue that celebrates the spontaneous awakening of our collective intelligence. Born in South Africa immigrated to the USA in 2001 and becoming a citizen in 2024, traveled widely and always loved and created art since a young girl, Tracy is the owner of The Cats Whiskers ArtStudio Virtual and In Person Mobile Art Studio Paint Parties and More.A nature based artist creating her unique Visionary Bespoke Fine Art, drawing from her Spiritual, Shamanic, and reiki teachings and practices, infusing them into her Artwork. Tracy is an International Best Seller. Guest Speaker. Curator of Women’s Spiritual Creative Retreats. Founder and guide of Magical Painting Circle Women's online creative gatherings. Homesteader and Medicinal Self Sustainability Gardening Consultant. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx