Snapshots of TEDxKids@Chiyoda, a TEDxKids event in Tokyo, Japan.
TEDxKids@Chiyoda brought over a hundred youngsters to the Chiyoda-Ku district of Tokyo for a day of talks, performances, and activities. The event was brimming with great ideas, but here are just a few highlights:
- TED Talk subtitles in kid-friendly Japanese: “As many Japanese kids doesn’t speak English yet,” organizer Ryuta Aoki said, “and many Japanese subtitles for TED Talks are too difficult for kids to understand, we made subtitles for kids and used them for TEDxKids@Chiyoda. The translation team got a lot of words of thanks from participants, especially their parents.”
- Live Japanese sign language interpretation: The event was streamed online with Japanese sign language interpretation, so that hearing-impaired kids and adults could join in on the action.
- A giant cardboard stage set: TEDxKids@Chiyoda’s design team created an over-sized table, chair, hat, shoes, and even a muffler made completely out of cardboard for a stage that even grown-ups couldn’t help but be wowed by.
- The TEDxKids@Chiyoda Kids’ Talent Search: The TEDxKids@Chiyoda team sent out a call for hopeful speakers before the event, eventually receiving over 10,000+ hits to its social media, and, in the end, two talented youth speakers — recipients of hearty applause on the big day.
Meet our TEDxYouthDay Reporters: Maki Kuramoto
TEDxYouthDay is this weekend! Over 100 events will be taking place around the world on November 17-18, focusing on youth and youth issues.
Maki is 14 and lives in Tokyo. She is reporting on TEDxYouth@Tokyo in Japan. Follow her dispatches from the event on the TEDxYouthDay website.
What made you want to get involved with TEDxYouthDay?
I went to TEDxYouth@Tokyo last year and wanted to be involved. I loved how it was an environment for just youth, and we could speak in English even though we are in Japan! I also liked how it was interactive and inspiring! Because I felt this way I wanted to be involved so I could spread the word myself about this wonderful event!
What about TEDxYouthDay do you most look forward to?
I look forward to meeting new people and listening to inspiring talks.
What do you think youth today are doing to get involved in the world?
Many youth around the world are creating their own volunteer groups to help out local and global problems. Also, many people are spreading valuable messages through social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
Who inspires you?
My mother inspires me. She has been raising my brother and I as a single mother, and I admire her willpower and endurance.
What is something you’d like to do before you’re 80?
I would like to skydive! I would also like to get a job relating to international relations, and travel around the world.
Tell us something interesting about yourself!
I recently found out I am 1/8 Irish! Until now, I knew I had American and Japanese heritage, but now I know I have 3 backgrounds.
