Rising Star in Global Leadership

Ryosuke Takashima inspires Kansai professionals with tales of his journey from nonprofit work to mayor of Ashiya City.

On March 27, on the cusp of sakura season, the Kansai chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) welcomed Ashiya City Mayor Ryosuke Takashima for an evening event titled Rising Star in Global Leadership. The gathering, which drew a diverse crowd of professionals, exemplified the chapter’s commitment to showcasing dynamic leaders who are shaping the future of business and politics in Japan.

The event was the culmination of efforts that began in September 2024, when the ACCJ first reached out to the mayor. This was followed by the Kansai Young Professionals Committee delivering a letter directly to his office inviting him to the chamber’s first-ever Christmas charity event, where we were able to discuss potential collaborations in the future.

Takashima, who at 26 became the youngest person elected mayor in Japanese history, shared insights into his journey from the nonprofit sector to city governance.

Attendees, ranging from young professionals to seasoned executives, eagerly absorbed Takashima’s hands-on approaches to civic leadership. His presentation, which focused on his vision for Ashiya City’s future and his commitment to open dialogue with citizens, energized the audience and sparked thoughtful discussions throughout the evening.

Communication and Dialogue

Interestingly, Takashima’s youth, far from being a hindrance, emerged as a strength that has allowed him to be more relatable to a wider demographic. This is particularly noteworthy given Ashiya’s generally older population. Recent demographic reports indicate that about 32 percent of the city’s residents are over 65.

Takashima explained how he leverages his position to bridge generational gaps, bringing fresh ideas while also respecting the city’s rich history. Illustrating his commitment to inclusive governance, the mayor recounted how his town hall meetings have attracted participants of all ages—the youngest attendee having been just eight. The mayor emphasized how these diverse interactions have shaped his policies and communication strategy, ensuring that he hears from as many voices as possible.

During the discussion, Takashima reflected on his journey, describing his education and his work in the nonprofit sector as preludes to his political career. In particular, he emphasized the profound impact of his volunteer work in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011. He credits the experience with shaping his understanding of crisis management and community resilience.

Takashima stressed that while these experiences were valuable, his current role as mayor allows him to implement significant changes with the widest outreach. He underscored that communication and dialogue form the core tenets of his policymaking, enabling him to understand and address the diverse needs of Ashiya’s citizens more effectively. He provided concrete examples of how this approach has led to successful initiatives in the city, from educational reforms to community engagement programs.

The event took an unexpectedly personal turn when Takashima, responding to a question about work–life balance, mentioned his love for the Hanshin Tigers, the Nippon Professional Baseball League team based in Nishinomiya, the city neighboring Ashiya in Hyogo Prefecture. This moment of levity added a relatable dimension to the mayor’s persona and provided a brief, enjoyable diversion from the more serious topics of the evening.

True to his commitment to open dialogue, Takashima agreed to conduct an unscripted Q&A session in addition to the fireside chat’s prepared questions. His willingness to engage in spontaneous discussion made the event truly interactive.

To accommodate the diverse linguistic needs of participants, many of whom were not fluent in English, the AI translation app Wordly—previously proved effective at HxD and D&I events—provided simultaneous interpretation throughout the evening.

Nurturing Connections

The event reinforced the Kansai chapter’s role as a vital platform for meaningful discussions on leadership and civic engagement while nurturing connections among professionals invested in Japan’s evolving business and political landscape. By bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering open dialogue, the chapter continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of business and governance in the Kansai region and beyond.

As the event concluded, many attendees expressed a desire to learn even more about Takashima and to continue networking with fellow participants. This enthusiasm for further engagement and knowledge-sharing was an incredibly gratifying response for the event committee, underscoring the success of the evening and the appetite for similar future gatherings.

The Kansai chapter expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Takashima, the Ashiya City Office, and everyone who contributed to the success of this impactful event. The invaluable support provided by the Kansai Membership Relations and Kansai Business Programs Committees ensured the event’s smooth execution and broad appeal. A note of appreciation is also extended to WeWork Japan for providing the venue at WeWork Midosuji Frontier, a modern and flexible space that significantly contributed to the success of the event.