Theme: Changing Currents

Changing Currents explores the transformative forces shaping our world, from shifting societal norms and technological breakthroughs to environmental challenges and evolving human connections. This theme invites us to examine how we adapt to change and navigate uncertainty, but also how we as individuals can ignite that change. It’s a call to embrace innovation, rethink old paradigms, and move forward with purpose in a rapidly changing world.

Seisen International School
1 Chome-12-15 Yoga
Setagaya-ku, Tôkyô, 158-0097
Japan

Ana Rie Tejima

Student

Ana Rie Tejima knows firsthand how unsettling change can be. After spending her entire life in one country, she was suddenly uprooted to Japan, leaving behind everything familiar—her friends, her surroundings, even the language she spoke. Just as she began to adjust, another shift forced her to start over yet again. In this talk, Ana will share the mindset shifts and strategies that helped her navigate unfamiliar territory, turn challenges into opportunities, and find stability even in the most unpredictable situations. By embracing change instead of resisting it, she learned how to transform fear into excitement—and now, she hopes to help others do the same.

Carell Henry

Freelancer in Music

How do you define a happy and successful career? Is it just about having a top-earning job, climbing the corporate ladder, and getting a highly respected position? Are there other ways to attain success while following your passions and dreams? Hailing from the Philippines, Mrs. Carell Henry, a full-time freelancer, pianist, KG music teacher at Seisen International School, piano pedagogue, author of piano method book for children, and music education advocate will share her journey and what it takes to be a full-time freelancer in the competitive field of the arts. Her talk will uncover what freelancing is and is not, and how important it is to have grit in pursuing an unconventional career amidst societal pressures - a rewarding path that empowers independence, creativity, and growth.

Helen (Shuyu) An

Student

How will Artificial Intelligence shape our future? Helen, a 6th-grade student at Seisen International School in Tokyo, Japan, has always been curious about how technology is changing the world around us. After exploring the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, they realized just how much AI is already impacting our lives, and how much more it could in the future. In this talk, Helen will dive into the exciting possibilities and risks of AI, exploring both the good and the bad. With examples like WALL-E and personal stories, Helen will share why understanding AI is important for everyone as we look toward the future.

Jayoung Koo

Student

Jayoung is an 8th grader from South Korea, and just like any other teenagers, she is “obsessed” with her phone. Having witnessed firsthand the shift in how we consume content, Jayoung will address the pressing issue of our decreasing attention spans. Through her personal experience and in her worldviews, she will discuss how everyone is affected by the way they consume content. From analyzing the different social trends and its impact, to planned interactions between her and the audience, she challenges the audience to reflect on themselves and shares practical ways to reclaim their attention spans.

Steven Martin

Technology Industry

While modern technology promises lifestyle upgrades for us all, Steven worries about his children's ability to fend off these powerful distractions. Originally from Alaska, Steven Martin is a long-term resident of Japan and splits his time between the snow capped mountains of Nagano and the suburbs of Setagaya. This talk will target a younger audience and advocate for an energetic and intentional pursuit of the physical world around us.