The 10 Gem Talks 2025 English presentation finalists. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)
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GEM Talks, a student leadership program, held its English language finale on July 20 at the Women's Pavilion of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Cultivating future leaders who can engage with the world, the contest features presentations that are all given in English. Ten finalists shared their convictions and dreams in presentations on the theme of "the society I want to build by 2045."
Launched in 2022, the contest is held annually to help Japanese foster self-confidence and a strong global voice. GEM stands for "Girls' Energy Manifest" — and also nods to the sparkle of a gemstone.
High School applicants from all over Japan submitted video presentations in English, and from those entries, 10 finalists were selected. They honed their skills in the organization's online workshops, followed by an overnight training retreat held the day before the event. Then, on Sunday, July 20, they took the stage for the finale.
Fittingly, this year's finale was held at the Expo 2025 Women's Pavilion, themed "When women thrive, humanity thrives." The pavilion envisions a world where everyone lives as equals, walks side by side, and reaches their full potential. By spotlighting women's experiences and perspectives, it invites visitors to imagine a fairer, more sustainable future — a vision that echoes the contest's goals.
Care About 'Girls Education'
Following a series of ten fine English language presentations, the Minister of Education Award, the top prize, went to Riko Fujioka. While a Yokohama resident, she is a first-year student at Mita International School of Science in Tokyo.
"I applied because I was drawn to a program that brought together high school students from across Japan to present in English," Fujioka said. "Through the workshops, we connected and challenged one another to grow."
Her topic was education. She had taken compulsory schooling for granted until she read a book by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. It opened her eyes. Today, an estimated 122 million girls around the world are out of school.
"I didn't expect to win," Fujioka added. "I've cared about girls' education since I was little. It's not concrete yet, but one day I hope to work at the United Nations or another international organization."
Watch Riko Fujioka's presentation in the JAPAN Forward series, Ignite on August 24.
Bravely Tackling 'Self-esteem'
The 2025 jury awarded the second prize to Airi Tada, a third-year student at Toin Gakuen Secondary School in Yokohama.
Tada addressed the problem of low self-esteem among young people. Drawing on her study abroad experience in the United States, she proposed creating the "What If Zone" — a dedicated space in schools where students can express ideas without fear of failure.
"It was inspiring to work together with other participants and build something as one," the Machida resident said.
Watch Airi Tada's presentation in the JAPAN Forward series, IGNITE, coming on August 31.
Spaces to Spark Genuine Connections
In addition to the two top prizes, the judges awarded their Special Jury Prize to two students.
One recipient, Ruka Hayashi, is a second-year student at Waseda Jitsugyo High School in Tokyo. Hayashi, who lives in Sayama, Saitama Prefecture, hopes to become an architect. She aims to design inclusive spaces where people with disabilities — whom she affectionately calls "Uniquers" — can connect with the wider community. Personal encounters, she said, helped her shed old assumptions and recognize the power of real connection. "My goal is to design spaces that spark genuine connections," she said.
Reflecting on her experience in the program, she added, "At the training retreat, debating pushed me to focus like never before. It became an invaluable experience."
Watch Ruka Hayashi's presentation in the JAPAN Forward series, IGNITE, coming on September 7.
Closing the Gender Gap in STEAM Studies
The second co-winner, Misaki Ozawa, is a third-year student at Hiroo Gakuen High School in Minato-ku's Minamiazabu district in Tokyo. She founded IYNA Japan, a neuroscience community for high school students, after noticing the lack of opportunities to explore the field. Her group partners with universities, researchers, and companies to create online content — making neuroscience education more accessible, regardless of where students live.
"At first, I wanted to become a doctor," the Inagi, Tokyo resident said. "But as I studied, I became more drawn to neuroscience." On the gender gap in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields, she added, "I want to study electronic engineering at university, but women make up less than 20 percent. There's still a sense of hesitation. I want to help change that."
Watch Misaki Ozawa's presentation in the JAPAN Forward series, IGNITE, coming on September 14.
No Need to Wait
Ichiro Fujisaki, head judge, president of the America-Japan Society, and former Ambassador of Japan to the United States, offered parting words of encouragement.
"You don't have to wait until 2045 to act on your ideas," he said. "I hope you'll help change Japan within five to ten years."
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Author: Mika Sugiura,
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