Okayama University Hosts Special Talk Show with Nicole Ishida on Dreams and Sustainability

Special Talk Show Event at Okayama University

On November 24, 2025, Okayama University hosted a special talk show titled "Dream Exhibition" featuring guest speaker Nicole Ishida, an accomplished actress and model. This event took place at the OUX (Okayama University Commons) and was organized by the Global Engagement Center of the university. It marked the concluding day of an exhibition showcasing approximately 70 student creations reflecting their dreams, which were developed as part of a multicultural education program supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan.

The program aims to foster social impact through the internationalization of higher education and engage students in various dialogues to explore their aspirations. During the event, students from the course “Addressing Global Issues Through Work” shared their experiences and insights from participating in the One Young World (OYW) Summit held in Munich.

Among the speakers were Vice President Atsufumi Yokoi, OYW participant Keita Katayama, a high school student from Okayama, and Ainomi Ishikawa, a fifth-year medical student at Okayama University. They engaged in a lively discussion about their experiences at the summit and reflections on their dreams, much to the delight of the audience of around 60 attendees, including students enrolled in the course.

Nicole Ishida shared her personal journey, revealing she initially aspired to become a radiologic technologist. However, driven by the desire to face new challenges, she decided to leave her course after winning a prestigious fashion contest during her university years. This decision led her to pursue her passion for modeling, which eventually allowed her to make an impact through her involvement with environmental issues.

Through her hobby of diving, Ishida has become increasingly aware of coral reef bleaching and other environmental challenges facing our oceans. Her love for the sea has inspired her to collaborate with companies to create sunblock that is gentle on corals in an effort to protect marine ecosystems. In a dialogue with Vice President Yokoi, she emphasized that even if dreams change over time, the core desire to contribute positively to society remains steadfast. She encouraged attendees to explore themselves, articulate their ambitions, and bravely chase those dreams, even if it means stepping into the unknown.

As the event concluded, participants left empowered with strong messages advocating for self-exploration and courage in pursuing one's dreams. This initiative is part of Okayama University's ongoing commitment to fostering a unique research environment and engaging with local communities. The university continues to receive support for its initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and global awareness as it strives to become a leading research institution.

For more information, visit the Global Engagement Center of Okayama University.