Theme: Odyssey

An odyssey is more than just a journey, it is a quest for discovery, a test of resilience, and a celebration of transformation.

In every odyssey, there are moments of uncertainty, challenges to overcome, and breakthroughs that redefine who we are. It is the stories we carry, the experiences that shape us, and the connections that guide us forward.

At TEDxAPU 2025, we invite you to embark on an intellectual and emotional voyage that pushes boundaries, sparks conversations, and reimagines what is possible. Through powerful talks, immersive experiences, and a vibrant exchange of ideas, this event is an invitation to explore the uncharted, embrace challenges, and uncover new perspectives.

We hope that by the end of TEDxAPU Odyssey 2025, you too will become a voyager, ready to embark on your own odyssey with newfound inspiration and insight.

Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
1-1 十文字原
Millenium Hall
Beppu, Ôita, 874-0011
Japan

Cattleya Daub

TEDxAPU Student Speaker League Winner

A passionate writer with experience in storytelling across various projects, Cattleya’s talk delves into the evolving nature of grief in the digital age. Through her personal journey, she will explore how love, loss, and remembrance are transformed in an interconnected world.

Hiroshi Yoneyama

President, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. Vice Chancellor, Ritsumeikan Trust.

As the president of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Yoneyama Sensei is passionate about fostering international understanding. In his words, "Our university’s vision aligns with my mission to bridge Japan and the world." Every day, I happily lead an institution that nurtures over 6,000 students from 110+ countries, helping them grow into a diverse, inclusive community built on mutual respect. Collaborating with our dedicated faculty and staff, we discuss everything from future visions to daily matters. Our alumni continually inspire me as they build impactful careers worldwide, contributing to a better future for humanity.

Kantaro Inagaki

Influencer, kantaro_japanwalker

A walk through the country (with a Shiba Inu) what could be a better odyssey? Kantaro has embarked on an ambitious journey across the country on foot, sharing his adventure on social media and gaining global connections along the way. But fear not, he’s not alone. He’s accompanied by San-chan, the adorable Shiba Inu he adopted in Beppu, which, coincidentally, is also where TEDxAPU will be held. Come along and witness how his journey transforms into the experience of a lifetime!

Sunny Perida

TEDxAPU Student Speaker League Winner

An active member of PASA and a leader in Philippine Week’s Fashion Show department, Sunny brings his vibrant energy to TEDxAPU. Through humor, he has found resilience in the face of life’s toughest moments. His talk will explore how laughter often seen as a sign of joy can also be a tool for resilience, helping us navigate life’s hardest moments.

Tatsuo Yamashita

Chairman, Social Welfare Corporation Taiyo no Ie.

At the age of one, he developed polio due to persistent high fever, and became wheelchair-bound. In 1984, he joined Mitsubishi Corporation Taiyo Co., Ltd., an IT company, and became its president and CEO in 2014 and chairman in 2016. In 2018, he retired and became chairman of Taiyo no Ie. To make Taiyo no Ie a leading model for a symbiotic society and realize the vision of a "society in which people with disabilities are not left behind," in recent years he has been focusing on the employment of people with mental and developmental disabilities in particular.

Yuhi Watanabe

TEDxAPU Student Speaker League Winner

After struggling to embrace his individuality, Yuhi found new perspectives during his time in Germany, realizing that "a place to belong exists beyond borders." Now an aspiring media professional and radio host, he is dedicated to empowering others to embrace their authenticity. His talk will offer insights into self-acceptance and personal growth.