Seminar at Kitakyushu City University, Fukuoka, Japan

I was honored to have the opportunity to deliver a lecture as part of Professor Manabe's course, "Regional Experts," at Kitakyushu City University.  Speaking in my hometown of Kitakyushu was both a new and invaluable experience, reminiscent of my first engagement with Kitakyushu City High School.

Approximately 500 students attended the lecture, primarily first- and second-year students from the Faculty of Economics, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Foreign Languages, and the Faculty of Literature, as well as participants from the Regional Creation Program. Many enthusiastic students gathered, and I was thrilled to have online participation from students of the Architecture Departments at Kitakyushu City University, Kyushu Sangyo University, and Kyushu Institute of Technology, who had attended a special lecture that lasted one month. This gathering of five research labs, facilitated through inter-university collaboration, fostered new interactions.

The lecture was titled, "From Kitakyushu to New York: Self-Branding Entrepreneurial Skills – Creating New Value for the Next Generation."

In this lecture, I explored pathways to generate new value for future generations. I discussed the connection between entrepreneurial spirit and design thinking. The language skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity I developed through my experiences abroad are essential in modern society. I also examined the challenges of living in a multicultural and multiethnic society, contemporary working methods, and how to establish a brand when starting a business.

The message I aimed to convey in my talk was the importance of connections, the significance of having dreams, and the courage to take action. I wish for students to enjoy their lives and carve their paths as they move forward.

I would be grateful if, through this precious opportunity, I could inspire at least a bit of inspiration in the students. My heart is filled with gratitude for having met the next generation who will create the future together.