Opening Ceremony Open Educational Dialogue

Takashima Ryosuke

Mayor of Ashiya City, Harvard College ’19

Summer in JAPAN 2026

During the Summer in JAPAN (SIJ) Opening Education Dialogue, co-founder Hirotsuru Sumire spoke with Mayor Takashima Ryosuke of Ashiya City about educational agency, overcoming challenges, and personal growth.

Raised in Osaka, Mayor Takashima entered Harvard in 2015. He initially planned to study public policy, but switched to engineering after realizing he needed a scientific foundation to address environmental issues. Recognizing that classroom theory felt disconnected from reality, he took a three-year leave of absence to tour renewable energy sites and local governments worldwide before graduating in 2022 and being elected mayor of Ashiya City in 2023.

Reflecting on his transition to Harvard, Mayor Takashima shared that learning to ask for help was a crucial turning point. Faced with fast-paced discussion classes where silence meant a zero score, he sought advice from an instructor after struggling in his first lecture. She advised him to raise his hand right as a question was asked, allowing him to answer first and set the tone for the rest of the discussion. The speakers highlighted that seeking guidance and utilizing office hours are vital skills for overcoming academic hurdles.

In Ashiya City, Mayor Takashima made public education a top municipal priority, focusing on boosting student agency. He noted that while local students achieve high test scores, their motivation and well-being lag behind national averages due to external pressures. To address this gap, his administration eliminated standardized school research mandates and encouraged teachers to voluntarily design their own coursework, which in turn inspired students to take initiative in their own education.

Closing with guidance for families, Mayor Takashima emphasized that personal interests naturally evolve over time. He advised students to remain honest with themselves and pursue their evolving passions, while urging parents to listen closely to their children’s authentic voices. Finally, the speakers encouraged all SIJ participants to actively seek help from their Harvard instructors whenever they face challenges.