Musician, a mathematics researcher, and a STEAM Educator. She is also CEO of steAm, Inc.,the representative director of steAm BAND Association and a thematic project producer of Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan. She also serves as a STEM Girls Ambassador, Cabinet Office, and project researcher of Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences The University of Tokyo. She won the gold medal as the first Japanese woman in the International Mathematical Olympiad. She passionately conducts research on art and technology as well as music, mathematics, and education.

Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka. After coming to Japan in 2001 as an international student and graduating from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University's School of Asia Pacific Studies, he received a master's degree (in applied linguistics) and a doctorate (linguistics and academics) at the Graduate School of International Languages and Cultures, Nagoya University. He is currently an associate professor at Ritsumeikan International. As Deputy Director of the International Department, he is also committed to multicultural co-learning.

Sachio Nakato is a professor at College of International Relations, Director of Center for East Asian Peace and Cooperation Studies, Executive Director of Division of International Affairs, and Vice President International, Ritsumeikan University, Kyoto, Japan. His research interests include Northeast Asian security and international relations, Japan’s policy toward the Korean Peninsula, and U.S.-Japan relations. He was a visiting professor at School of International Service, American University (2002-3, 2012-14, 2019), Sookmyung Women’s University (2003), National Chung-Hsing University (2015), and National Chengchi University (2020). He received a Ph.D. in International Relations, Ritsumeikan University. He also graduated from Yonsei University Korean Language Institute under the KF language fellowship program.

He graduated from the University of Tokyo, entered the Ministry of
International Trade and Industry (MITI). After serving as an
associate Professor at Keio University SFC, he became a
member of the House of Councilors for 12 years.
He served two terms as State Minister of Education, Science,
Technology, Sports and Culture and four terms as Chief policy Officer
of MEXT, and was appointed as Professor at the University of Tokyo
in 2014. He is also a Teach for All Global board member, Director for
Representative of Japan Education (ROJE), and Vice President of
the Society of Well-being.

He has served as a teacher at a Niigata prefecture public school, an instructor at Joetsu University of Education Elementary School, a supervisor at the Kashiwazaki City Board of Education, a curriculum investigator at the National Institute for Educational Policy Research's Curriculum Research Center, a subject investigator at the Curriculum Division of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau, an inspector at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Elementary and Secondary Education Bureau, and a professor at Kokugakuin University's Faculty of Human Development, before assuming his current position in April 2024.

Agnes Siwi Purwaning Tyas (Siwi) is a doctoral student at the Graduate School of International Relations, originally from Indonesia. Her academic research is on Japanese culture and media, with a particular focus on the dynamic intersection between Japanese and Indonesian identities portrayed in wartime cinema. Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines history, cultural studies, international relations, and film theory, she aims to foster better understanding of the complex historical relationship between Japan and Indonesia during the war period.
Outside her academic work, Siwi enjoys traveling, exploring diverse cuisines, and fishing. And as a coffee enthusiast, she loves visiting cafes across Japan.
Looking forward to her participation in Osaka Expo 2025, Siwi hopes this global event becomes a meaningful platform for intercultural exchange that can help addressing global challenges and supporting efforts towards lasting peace around the world.

Learn about culture, arts, and history, especially focus on Southeast Asia. Currently study Bahasa Indonesia in Telkom University. Hobby is baking and Balinese dance.

My name is Marini Raffaella, but you can call me Raffa. I’m from Italy and I’m currently studying Japanese public
diplomacy at the Graduate School of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University. In my free time, I love travelling, cooking dishes from around the world, and making new friends. I’m truly excited to be part of Expo 2025, and I look forward to meeting all of you to talk, exchange ideas, and enjoy our time together!

I am a graduate student from Sri Lanka, currently pursuing my master’s degree in robotics engineering at Ritsumeikan University. My research focuses on intelligent robotic systems for agricultural automation. I am passionate about creating technology that improves food handling and post-harvest processes. Outside academics, I enjoy hiking, cycling, and experimenting with international cooking, especially blending Sri Lankan and Japanese flavors. I have a deep appreciation for Japanese culture and am excited to contribute to the Osaka Expo as a facilitator representing Ritsumeikan University.