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).

Akita International University
Yuwa, Akita-city 010-1292 Japan, Akita International University
Akita, Akita, 010-1292
Japan

Janina Scarlet

Dr. Scarlet is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, an award-winning author, and a full-time geek. A Ukrainian-born refugee, she survived Chernobyl radiation and persecution. She immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her family and later, inspired by the X-Men, developed Superhero Therapy to help patients with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Dr. Scarlet is the recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award by the United Nations Association for her work on Superhero Therapy. She currently works as a lead trauma specialist at the Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego, CA.

Matthew Smith

Matthew D. Smith is from Brooklyn, New York, and serves as Minister-Counselor for Management Affairs, US Embassy in Japan. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences and a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Matthew Smith moved to Akita prefecture, Japan with his family in 1997. After teaching English for the JET Program at a high school in Kakunodate for two years, he passed the Foreign Service Officer Test. He has served in Cameroon, France, Eritrea, and Jordan. His career with the United States Department of State began in 2000 and he has received two Superior Honor Awards and six Meritorious Honor Awards.

Mitsuru Senda

He is an environment architect and the chairman of the Environment Design Institute. He “designs” the environment for the future based on his "Circular Play System Theory", a structure theory of designing an open space for children to play in. Some of his masterpieces include Toyama Children’s Center (the 25th JIA Award), Minamioguni town office (the Architecture Award of Trees), Hiroshima Municipal Baseball Stadium (the Japan Institute of Architect Award), Akita International University’s library (the Japan Institute of Architect Award, the 24th Murano Tongo Prize, the Good Design Award), and so on. He has taught architecture at universities, and has published books, such as “Design of Children's Play Environments” (1992), “Hito ga Atsumaru Kenchiku” (2013), and “Kodomo wo Hagukumu Kankyou Mushibamu Kankyou” (2018).

Rena Tsunoda

From ages 7 to 18, she has dedicated herself to artistic swimming, (previously known as synchronized swimming) being successful in many championships. Turning 18, she retired from her career as a performer and entered Keio University Shonan Fujisawa Campus. Eager to learn from the performance of Spanish athletes With a wider perspective, she now learns the language and has paid some visits to the country.

Takae Endo

Takae Endo was born in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, and has graduated from Akita University of Art. She is the president of the company, design-farm. The company’s main office is located in Akita and there is a branch office in Shibuya. Her main work is graphic design, web design, and product branding. Furthermore, she is strongly interested in regional revitalization, so she plans and manages some events. She is a member of “ Shibuya wo tunageru 30 nin (30 people who connect Sibuya)” and the staff of “Sibuya University”, where she participates in “Shibuya radio” once a month as a regular speaker and connects Shibuya people and Akita people.