TEDx Ogikubo
​2021 Speakers

Saila Kunikida, the granddaughter of Doppo Kunikida (a distinguished Meiji-era author and feminist), is a Japanese-Italian model and spokesperson on feminism and mixed-race. After growing up in Paris, Saila moved to Japan, where she began modeling. Saila was featured in many renowned publications and stirred controversy as a mixed-race model. Being from two cultures, Saila has never felt fully embraced by either. With her own company in Tokyo, Saila devotes her public platform to increasing awareness of inclusivity and acceptance.

Kengo Kuma is a multi award winning, International architect, best known for work which blends architecture and nature. Kuma established Kengo Kuma & Associates in 1990. Kuma holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Tokyo University, where he is also a University Professor and a Professor Emeritus. Kuma is a prolific writer and frequent speaker. As an architectural practice, KKAA is in constant search for materials and construction methods that relate intimately, and comfortably, to people and nature.

Marika Shimizu is an 8th grade student. Regardless of her youth, it is apparent to Marika that motivation is key to success. At a very young age, and armed with little more than a few words of English, Marika left her motherland Japan, for a life in Singapore. Regardless of the difficult challenges that she faced, Marika succeeded by never giving up. Equipped with the experience and knowledge that she acquired and integrated, Marika is now ready to take to the stage and explain how determination can indeed Make a Better World.

Taichi Kuma is CEO of "Tailand", a placemaking company, bridging the "soft" and "hard" matter of architecture by not only designing, but also managing and operating buildings. To maximise the potential of a place, simply providing a "box" is not enough. Taichi believes that "context" gives every building it's own story, and that shared spaces can revitalise communities. Through a series of unique share houses in various locations around Tokyo, Taichi will explain the dynamics of revitalisation through shared spaces.

Azby Brown has lived in Japan for over 3 decades, developing a multidisciplinary practice spanning environmentalism, design, and the fine arts. His groundbreaking writings on traditional Japanese carpentry, compact housing, and traditional sustainable practices are recognised internationally. Since the start of the Fukushima disaster in March, 2011, he has been lead researcher for the global citizen-science organisation Safecast; engaged in assisting affected communities and analysing and reporting the issues they face.

Yohana Miyajima is a freshman at the International Christian University, Tokyo. Through speaking at TEDx Ogikubo, she hopes to inspire others to speak up for what they believe in, by stepping out of their comfort zone and conquering their fears. She believes that sharing her experiences will empower young people like herself, by letting them know that it is possible to make a difference in the world.

Steven Haynes was born in San Francisco, and is now a multi-talented entertainer, producer, author, and charisma in Japan. Steven has worked with top artists, appeared in multiple media, coached countless numbers of ladies in deportment, and trained company managers in etiquette. Steven understands the importance of personal presentation and social skills. At TEDx Ogikubo, Steven will inspire with a presentation on his secrets for Making a Better World, by beginning at home, with yourself.

Hazuki Kono is a year 7 student at an international school. Hazuki believes in grasping life opportunities, no matter one's age, status or prevalent community prejudices. Hazuki believes that although culture is given to us, this does not mean it is all good or that it should go unquestioned. In the spirit of Making a Better World, Hazuki will challenge the notion of blindly following the flock, and present her solution for one of the current problems she sees in her community: judging others by the way they look.

Akiyo Oda currently works as a “brain designer”, teaching adults and children how to increase memory and talent. Akiyo believes that the more talented people are, the richer their individual lives will be, and the richer their collective societies will be. Akiyo is also a koto player, and aims to convey Japanese traditions. In a globalized world, Akiyo thinks that the first thing to do is to love one’s own country, and thereby develop an understanding of the world and of various peoples.

Yasunobu Hotsuki received an unconventional education from his father, whose motto was, “If you light the fire of curiosity, then children will learn on their own.” Yasunobu discovered that “learning is fun,” yet he did not receive that sense of excitement at school. Yasunobu began to understand that learning can be enriched through life events, which spark interest and curiosity; that wonder and emotions can deepen one's learning. These principles of learning through experience, define Yasunobu’s visionary education system, “TANQ”.

Dr Greg Story; Previously a diplomat, trade commissioner, retail banker & country head for three international organisations, has for the last ten years been President of Dale Carnegie Training Japan. He is author of two best selling books of business in Japan. As a thought leader he releases six podcasts & three TV shows a week. He is a certified Dale Carnegie Master Trainer & holds the rank of 6th Dan in Shitoryu karate. His passion is developing people to their full potential.

Pieter Franken’s career spans over 25 years in Financial Services, specializing in O&T, Fintech, innovation and large-scale transformations. He has held C-level and executive positions with industry leaders such as Citigroup, Shinsei Bank, Aplus, Monex Securities and Monex Group. Pieter holds a MSc in Computer Science from Delft University (The Netherlands) and is a Guest Professor at Keio University (Japan) where he contributes to the advancement in IoT, Digital Currencies, Block-chain technologies, Medical Inclusion and Citizen Science.

Taiga McGuinness might be a fish … are we all fish (is it fishes)? What makes one a fish? Can one be a bicycle, or a fence? Who is Taiga? How is Taiga defined? Is he defined by his body, by his imagination ... by limitations imposed by other peop … by other fish? If I call you a fish, are you offended? Are you a cotton candy lollipop? What does it mean to offend a fish … can one offend another, or must another take offence in order to be offended? Taiga will talk, please listen.

Author, scholar, traveller, art collector, consultant, cultural revivalist and Japanoligist, Alex Kerr has lived in Japan on and off since 1964. He majored in Japanese Studies at Yale and did Chinese Studies at Oxford. Alex Kerr is perhaps best known for his work in reviving rural areas of Japan. He and his team restore old houses and improve the local environment of provincial Japanese towns. His book “Lost Japan” (1993 Japanese, 1996 English), is still considered a “must read” book for insights into Japanese culture.

Dr. Sachiko Ezawa MD PhD is a Japanese superwoman; She is an Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Law (Medical Law Research) a qualified pilot, and a licensed yacht captain. In 2008 she was the only woman finalist for the JAXA/NASA intake for Astronaut Candidate Training, however, of all her achievements she is most proud of being mother to twin 7 year old boys. With a positive outlook and a sense of duty and care, she strives to make the world a better place for those around her.

Rob Nugen conducts workshops and meetings giving people skills to connect with each other and with their personal life mission. Rob has been running a men’s peer counseling group in Tokyo since 2015. Rob has been conducting meditation workshops in both Tokyo and Kanagawa. As an 18-year resident in Kanagawa, Rob is fully aware of both the joys and pitfalls of life in Japan.

TEDx Ogikubo
September 29th 2021
16:00 JST - 21:00 JST
Suginami Koukaido + Live-StreamedTEDxOgikubo2021: "Making a Better World".
TEDxOgikuboでは、テーマである「Making a Better World」のアイディアをスピーチによって広めることはもちろん

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Free Live-Stream Registration

Registration for Individuals

※個人での申込みはこちら

If you, or a small group of friends intend to watch the TEDxOgikubo live-stream, you should select this option. Each person should register separately. You can scan the QR code, or press it. It will link to a signup site.

Registration for Groups

※学校・企業・団体でのお申込み

If you are organising a group, such as a school or a company to watch the TEDxOgikubo live-stream, you should select this option. You can scan the QR code, or press it. It will link to a signup site.

Tickets for the live stream are available free. Please select the ticket type which best suits your needs.

CONTACT US

TEDx ​Ogikubo
​2021 Organisers

Pygmalion Emiko

Robert McGuinness

VOLUNTEERS:
TEDX events are run by volunteers. These kind individuals have donated their time and skills to TEDxOgikubo 2021, and have made it possible for us to hold our event. We are indebted to their generosity.

Shane Reustle - Organisational Problem Solver

Yasuko Yamane

Tetsuro Nishiyama

Kaoru Yoshida

Yumiko Pernechele

Shuichiro Katagiri - Technical Staff

Yoko Fukushima

Go Nagano - Technical Staff

Takeshi Maeda

Miho Watanabe

Omoi Inoue

Ayano Goto

Margaux Barbier

Shiori Kamesaka しおり亀坂

​A group of diverse, dedicated volunteers is critical. Volunteers are needed for various activities;

Before TEDx Ogikubo:
- Contacting speakers, viewers, sponsors, media and volunteers.
- Updating social media and marketing.
- Translation of materials.
- Coordination of the rehearsals and the event.
- Training of the speakers.
- Coordination of our Pre-Event Party.
​- Live Streaming training.

Rehearsals and Event:
- Reception, seating of guests and general crowd control.
- Booth setting for sponsor booths.
- Technical assistance for lighting, audio and live-streaming.
- Management of speakers.
- General "helper" duties to take care of unseen issues.
- Cleaning up of the venue.
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After TEDx Ogikubo:
- Sending thank you emails.
- Follow up with any items left behind at the event.
- Updating our social media.

Sponsors
Sponsorship is critical to a TEDx event, to help us with renting venues, purchasing or hiring necessary equipment, marketing our event, running social media, purchasing various items, covering the costs of travel for speakers and so on. Please contact us for information on sponsoring TEDx Ogikubo.

Speaking at future TEDx Ogikubo events:
To apply as a speaker, please record a short (not more than 3 minutes) video of yourself, explaining your topic. Email us a link to your video (try to use a video site such as VIMEO or YouTube to host your video). Applications are open to all people.

Requirements:
1. Talks can be on any topic, but must be in the spirit of TED Ideas Worth Spreading.
2. Speakers cannot promote their products, publications, businesses etc.
3. Speakers cannot be paid, nor can they receive any direct financial gain related to the event. Some costs (such as travel) can be covered under specific circumstances. Contact us for more information on this.
​4. Talks must be in the spirit of TED, "ideas worth spreading".
5. Speakers must be able to attend the actual event, in Tokyo on September 29th 2021.
6. Talks must not exceed the time limit.
7. Speakers agree to the live streaming broadcast, and to the recording of the event, which includes their talk, and understand that such recordings will be available for viewing over the Internet.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDx Ogikubo, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDx Ogikubo event, TEDTalks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

What is a TEDX event?
TEDx is a community licensed by TED, under the spirit of of TED, "ideas worth spreading". TEDx Ogikubo is an official TEDx event, & follows the rules & guidelines set forth by TED. The event is run by volunteers & sponsors.

For more information on TEDx events, click here.