Special Lecture Held at Sugiyama Jogakuen University Under the Theme 'Dreams Come True' — Aichi Tsunagari Ouen Ambassadors Cheer on Students Toward Their Futures

Special Lecture Held at Sugiyama Jogakuen University Under the Theme 'Dreams Come True'

First Innovation Inc. (Head Office: 52F, DEUX TOURS EAST Tower, 3-13-1 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Yuushi Kikon) has conducted a special lecture under the theme 'Dreams Come True' as part of the initiatives by the nonprofit organization Aichi Tsunagari Ouen (President: Kuniake Shimizu, Vice President: Yuushi Kikon). The lecture was held within the framework of the Project-Based Learning (PBL) community collaboration course 'Social Engagement Project B' at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Sugiyama Jogakuen University, led by Professor Kazunori Mizushima.

This lecture was conceived from the desire of Chiharu Takai, an ambassador of Aichi Tsunagari Ouen, who has served as an external lecturer for this course since 2024 alongside AI practitioner and publishing group executive Toshihiko Kano. Their goal was to deliver to students real-life experiences and stories of challenge that cannot be obtained solely through textbooks or the internet.

The initiative was realized through the strong support of Momoka Mizutani, the Ambassador Coordinator of Aichi Tsunagari Ouen, who rallied ambassadors active in various fields across the region. On the day, ambassadors including Paris Fashion Week models, musicians, social media creators, entertainers, radio personalities, pro-jogging activists, and photographers took the stage, sharing their personal experiences, values, and journeys of pursuing their dreams.

Yuushi Kikon, Vice President of Aichi Tsunagari Ouen, also delivered a keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of continuous challenge based on his own experiences. The speakers openly shared not only their successes but also their failures, setbacks, and struggles, sending a message of encouragement to the students for their future.

Following the lecture, a networking session allowed students and speakers to engage in active discussions about their future dreams, goals, and aspirations. What united all the speakers was the belief that 'dreams can be achieved' and a strong desire to support the dreams of the students.

Aichi Tsunagari Ouen aims to connect local changemakers with the youth who will shape the future, creating opportunities for new challenges and mutual support through this lecture.

The Special Lecture Inspired by Chiharu Takai’s Vision

Chiharu Takai

This special lecture originated from the heartfelt vision of Chiharu Takai, who has been deeply engaged with students in the PBL-based 'Social Engagement Project B' course at Sugiyama Jogakuen University’s Faculty of Foreign Languages.

Since 2024, Takai has served as an external lecturer alongside Toshihiko Kano, contributing to course planning and student guidance. Throughout this time, she observed many students navigating their career paths amid hopes and anxieties about the future.

She began to believe that exposure to real-life stories of challenge—beyond textbooks and the internet—could become a catalyst for expanding students’ potential.

She realized that authentic experiences of people who pursued their dreams through failures, setbacks, and inner conflicts could serve as valuable inspiration for students envisioning their own futures.

Motivated by this belief, Takai reached out to Aichi Tsunagari Ouen for collaboration, initiating the planning of this lecture.

Realization Through Momoka Mizutani’s Empathy

Ambassador Coordinator Momoka Mizutani

Momoka Mizutani, the Ambassador Coordinator of Aichi Tsunagari Ouen, deeply resonated with this vision.

Mizutani, who dedicated her student years to track and field, later balanced corporate work with modeling and ultimately achieved her dream of participating in Paris Fashion Week.

Knowing that the path to dreams is never smooth and requires relentless effort and repeated challenges, she strongly empathized with Takai’s desire to deliver authentic experiences to students.

As a result, Mizutani called upon ambassadors under her coordination—individuals who continue to pursue their dreams in diverse fields—to participate, bringing together a dynamic group of speakers.

At the end of the lecture, students were gifted original clear files designed with the message 'Dreams Come True (You can do it.)'.

This message carries the belief that 'dreams are not something to wait for, but something to achieve through action and continuous challenge'.

Ambassadors United to Support Students’ Dreams

On the day, ambassadors active in diverse fields such as social media, music, entertainment, radio, photography, and community activities took the stage.

However, their purpose in gathering was not merely to promote their own activities.

What united all the speakers was a shared desire: 'We want to support the dreams of students'.

By honestly sharing not only their achievements but also their failures, confusion, and comebacks, they delivered the message: 'Dreams can be achieved' and 'Never give up on challenging'.

Messages from the Ambassadors to the Students

Momoka Mizutani

Momoka Mizutani

'I dedicated myself to track and field, worked at a company, and challenged myself in modeling, eventually achieving my dream of walking in Paris Fashion Week. I didn’t start with full confidence.

That’s why I want each of you to challenge yourselves without limiting your own potential.'

Hina

'I resigned from a company after 13 years and ventured into the world of social media content creation.

Though I felt uncertain, believing in my 'I want to try' feeling and taking action led me to where I am today.

I encourage you to pursue anything that interests you.'

Hina

Rina Suematsu

Rina Suematsu

'After completing my graduate studies in music, I joined a company while continuing my music activities.

I’ve learned that pursuing what you love requires not just dreams, but action and persistence.

I hope you believe in yourselves and keep moving toward your goals.'

Ayane Mochida

'Inspired by my own experiences, I now engage in activities supporting children’s futures.

Everything we experience in life is never wasted—it can become a strength to support others.

No matter the situation, I hope you never give up on your dreams and keep moving forward.'

Ayane Mochida

Erina Kitagawa

Erina Kitagawa

'I’ve experienced both entrepreneurship and business expansion, as well as major setbacks.

But I decided to challenge again, and now I’m active in entertainment as a race queen and brand ambassador, while also supporting women’s career development.

Don’t fear failure—challenge as much as you can.'

Tsukasa

'I’m currently active as a radio personality, but I’ve experienced hardships and inner conflicts during my student years.

Because of those experiences, I now deeply understand the importance of expressing my thoughts in my own words.

I hope you never give up on your dreams or goals, and keep challenging in your own way.'

Tsukasa

Manami Kato

Manami Kato

'Through pro-jogging activities, I’m working on local environmental beautification and health promotion.

I’ve realized that even small actions, when sustained, can create connections and transform communities.

I hope you take that first step from what you can do today.'

Sawa Yasui