Theme: Local

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。

Kobe Fashion Bijutsukan Orbis Hall
Higashinada Ward, Koyochonaka, 2 Chome−9-1
5F
Kobe, Hyôgo, 658-0032
Japan

Hokuto MUTOU

President and Factory Manager of Papua New Guinea Marine Products, Inc. Born in Fukuoka Prefecture in 1975, and father of three children. After graduating from the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at Shibaura Institute of Technology, Hokuto began his career handling deliveries at Tsukiji Market before joining Papua New Guinea Marine Products in 2000. In 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami washed away the company’s headquarters and restaurant operations. Considering the impact of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, he decided to relocate to Osaka after a week of evacuation at home, restarting his business in Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture, despite being burdened with double debt due to the disaster. In 2020, he established a new factory in Settsu City, Osaka, and became CEO in 2021. Since 2013, he has gained attention for his work reform initiatives, such as implementing “Free Schedule” that allows employees to work on their preferred days without prior notice, aiming to create a conflict-free and comfortable workplace. He won the 2021 WORK DESIGN AWARD Grand Prix, among other accolades. He is also the author of A Workplace for Living: Unbound Work Methods at a Small Shrimp Factory (East Press).

Kei HIRABAYASHI

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.

Mari TEZUKA

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

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.

Younin KOIKE

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).