In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

Tokyo International University
Chome-１３-1 Matobakita
Kawagoe, Saitama, 350-1102
Japan

Chiquita Widjaja

Born and brought up in Indonesia, Chiquita has inspired many youngsters around the world through her infectious energy and enthusiasm for volunteering and empowerment. She is currently a final year student at Tokyo International University, Japan where she holds several leadership positions such as president of the Model United Nations Club, Head of Academics in the International Relations Student Association, and more. In 2021, she founded "Little Burning Fires", which is a youth-led non-governmental organization that focused on maintaining and advancing child welfare in rural areas in Indonesia. In 2023, she interned at Ashinaga Foundation; a Japan-based NGO, working to provide financial support and emotional care to young people around the world who have lost one or both parents. Presently, she is an incoming 2025 Associate at AlphaSights Hong Kong as well as a Program Intern at Pacific Forum

Harada Sachiho 原田幸歩

Harada san is an extremely talented alumni of Tokyo International University. She plays the shamisen, a traditional Okinawan instrument and proudly represents her tradition in many events across Japan.

Ito Yoshihiro

Yoshihiro Ito (born November 17 , 1970 ) is a Japanese hearing-impaired individual and a communication barrier-free evangelist. He is the chairman of the board of directors of the nonprofit organization Information Gap Buster, a special standing committee member of the certified nonprofit organization DPI Japan , a director of the Japan Association of Distant Sign Language Interpreters, a member of the Business and Human Rights Civil Society Platform, a member of the stakeholder panel of the Business and Human Rights Dialogue and Relief Organization, a member of the Digital Promotion Committee of the Digital Agency , and a digital accessibility advisor. Graduated from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Nagoya University in March 1993. He joined Hitachi in April 1993 and worked in infrastructure software development, new business creation, digital marketing, and more. He has had several TV appearances such as; NHK Educational TV's "Sign Language News", NHK E-Tele “Heart Net TV” #Rounan June issue “What to do? Information gap in the medical field”, NHK Educational TV's "Nanbun no Ichi What is 1/85 of a Human? Sign Language Interpreter" and tvk (TV Kanagawa) "TV with Eyes"

Janelle Wellons

Senior Mission Operations Engineer

Janelle is a Senior Mission Operations Engineer at ispace, inc, based in Tokyo, Japan. With a degree in Aerospace Engineering from MIT, she has contributed to groundbreaking missions at ispace, inc. and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Her experience spans planetary science missions at Saturn and the Moon, developing instrument operations systems for Earth missions, and operating lunar landers—leading real-time mission control activities and designing flight operation strategies. Beyond her engineering work, Janelle is deeply committed to outreach and mentorship. As the former president of the Black Employee Resource Group at JPL and recipient of the Bruce Murray Award, she has spearheaded initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM. With over 100 outreach events and partnerships with nonprofit organizations, she is dedicated to ensuring students from all backgrounds see a future for themselves in space exploration.

Kousuke Iwasaki

Student

Kousuke lwasaki is a distinguished student at Tokyo International University and a passionate photographer. He has shown remarkable courage and eloquence by sharing his experiences living with disabilities. His words educate and inspire us, reminding us of the strength and determination that define the human experience. As a storyteller and photographer, Kousuke illuminates the often-overlooked aspects of living with disabilities, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy within his audience.

Kyuukei (Multilingual Band)

Band

Kyuukei is a dynamic boy band formed by a group of talented Indonesian and Malaysian students from Tokyo International University. With a unique cultural blend and a shared passion for music, Kyuukei creates original tracks that seamlessly fuse Japanese and English lyrics, showcasing their artistic versatility and international flair. Their music carries a distinct rock edge, characterized by powerful instrumentals and energetic performances. Yet, despite its rock-heavy influence, Kyuukei's sound remains approachable and fun, striking a balance that appeals to a wide audience. Their songs convey youthful spirit, emotional depth, and the excitement of cross-cultural expression.

Mai Linh Nguyen (Sandy)

Student

Mai Linh Nguyen, also referred to as Sandy, is a final year student of Tokyo International University and an extremely talented singer/song writer. Her songwriting journey is deeply rooted in a profound exploration of life, existence, and relationships. What began as reflective entries in a bullet journal soon evolved into short, thoughtfully crafted poems with intricate rhymes. Recognizing an opportunity to blend a passion for music with a talent for writing, Sandy transitioned from poetry to songwriting. This creative fusion allowed for the expression of complex emotions and insights through compelling lyrics and melodies, establishing a distinctive voice and perspective in the art of musical storytelling.

Mayuna Magara 眞柄真有奈

Life Coach

Mayuna Magara is a Professional life coach, author, specially appointed associate professor at Yamano College of Aesthetics. Born in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 1987, she is a mum of two children (ages 6 and 1). After graduating from university, she moved to Tokyo, but was forced to resign due to poor health from working too hard at a listed human resources company and a venture company. Later, when she was unemployed and lost in life, she encountered coaching and intuitively realized that it was her calling. In 2020, she became a specially appointed associate professor at Yamano College of Aesthetics and Beauty. In 2021, she won the Japanese championship at the Mrs. Contest, and also competed in the world championship. Based on the changes in her clients and her own practice, she has systematized how to achieve her own life as the "Yoshuku Method" and in 2024, published a book on this topic as well.

Megumi Midorikawa

Megumi (Hitomi) Midorikawa is a Trust & Safety Program Manager at Google, 2021 Paralympics Torch Runner, Dog lover, mom of 2, a Tennis lover, a sign language enthusiast and a Certified Icing Cookies instructor.

Uma Martinez

Uma is an 18-year-old student of Tokyo International University, a prominent member of the MUN club of the university and studies International Relations. Originally from Switzerland, she has been living in Tokyo for the past four years along with her family who collectively run a family bakery.