Connecting Hearts by Creating New Places

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JAPAN Forward has launched "Ignite," a series where students in Japan share their voices in English. What inspires a student to imagine creating new environments where peoples' hearts are able to connect, regardless of their differences? Individually and collectively, today's students are at work on their dreams and using the power of their determination to shape our global future.

This 12th essay in the series introduces the next presentation by the top four finalists in the GEM Talks 2025 leadership training program for high school girls. Ruka Hayashi was the co-winner of the GEM Talks 2025 Special Jury Award for her oral presentation in English. The July 20 event placed her on the stage of the Women's Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

In the final, Hayashi, a high school student, shares her dream of creating new spaces as an architect that bring "uniquers," on the outside into the mainstream of society. How would she do this? Her presentation is compelling.

Let's listen.

Twelfth in the Series, 'Ignite'

Ruka Hayashi, Co-Winner of the 2025 Gem Talks Special Jury Award

Watch Ruka Hayashi give her presentation in English:

Hello, everyone. My name is Ruka Hayashi. I am 17 years old, and I go to school almost every day. My school is located in Tokyo, but it has a very large schoolyard. My friends and I sometimes go there and enjoy talking about what typical high school girls love to talk about. I really enjoy it.

In 2045, in twenty years' time, I will be 37 years old. I won't be a high school student anymore. And I won't be studying for tests, but instead I will be working as an architect and working very hard to connect the hearts of everyone. I will be making every effort to realize a world of real inclusion.

This was triggered by an opportunity to interact closely with people with intellectual disabilities. To be honest, I used to have prejudices against people with disabilities because I had never had the opportunity to interact closely with them and didn't know how to communicate with them. However, as I interacted with them, I realized that there was no need to make a big deal out of it.

Now, I would like to define a new term. In order to achieve real inclusion, I define people with disabilities as "uniquers" in this presentation from now on.

From Understanding to Shared Values

Currently, a lack of understanding about such people is preventing them from fully participating in society and becoming independent, which has become a social issue. Acceptance of uniquers requires not only government initiatives but also responses from the local communities where they live their daily lives.

To this end, private companies will be essential. However, I think many companies are not yet prepared to coexist with those people without prejudice, as I was in the past. I believe that to resolve this issue, it is important to deepen understanding of uniquers and promote coexistence, thereby creating a system that benefits all stakeholders.

Well, from my experience, I figured this out: The greatest joy for uniquers is having a place to connect with society, which gives them a sense of purpose in life.

Then, how about healthy people? Interacting with diverse people can lead to new discoveries that would be impossible in a world of only healthy people. From the companies' perspectives, it is not difficult to imagine that the diverse experiences gained through coexistence will influence the services and products offered by the companies. Also, they will gain social credibility and enhance their corporate value.

Bringing Everyone Together

The question is; how can I make it possible, as an architect? I would like to propose the creation of cafes within companies that are run by uniquers and are also open to the public. This is because direct interaction between employees and uniquers will create a win-win relationship between the three parties I mentioned earlier.

Furthermore, by making this venue in the face of the company, it can serve as a means of publicly demonstrating the company's way of thinking. In other words, I believe that this will undoubtedly provide an excellent opportunity for external stakeholders to see the company from the inside.

This is what sets it apart from existing cafes.

In this way, I want to become a person who combines various aspects, such as design as an architect, proposals to companies as a management consultant, and understanding of welfare. So, what can I do now to become a person who can fulfill these three roles? First, I need to deepen my understanding of welfare. Next, here are the three steps I need to take now.

Next Steps

First, knowledge. In order to live with uniquers and build a better world, we must first begin by deepening our understanding.

Second, spreading the word. Right now, I am proposing the importance of coexistence and ways to achieve it here at this Expo. I want to engage in activities that convey my thoughts to as many people as possible.

Third, participation. Recently, I went to see a performing live by uniquers. What impressed me was each person could freely express themselves and shine. Everyone is different, and everyone is wonderful. By participating, I realized that this is the future I want to achieve.

My strength lies in being in an environment where I can interact closely with uniquers. And because I have personally experienced the importance of coexistence, I believe that a future where this is possible can be realized.

By 2045, I want to become an architect who designs connections of the heart.

I'm looking forward to seeing you again in a society where inclusion is quite natural.

*Ruka Hayashi in an interview after her presentation at GEM Talks 2025. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

About the Author

Ruka Hayashi, a Saitama resident, attends Waseda Jitsugyo High School in Tokyo. In an interview with JAPAN Forward after the competition, Hayashi emphasized, "My goal is to design spaces that spark genuine connections."

Explaining how the GEM Talks experience has helped her communication skills, especially in English, she added, "At the training retreat, debating pushed me to focus like never before. It became an invaluable experience."