THE LEADS ASIA

Ayano is the Co-Founder of THE LEADS ASIA, a non-governmental organisation born during the COVID-19 pandemic as a space for young Asian people to have constructive conversations about the future of their region. THE LEADS ASIA aims to address how historical issues can impact the current and future relationships between countries in the region and their overall development. The initiative organises and hosts events where young people can meet, learn and discuss current problems and solutions to address the societal and cross-cultural issues which affect them.

​​Ayano attended the One Young World Summit in London, 2019, and she credits this experience with giving her the push she needed to take action for the future. She remains an active member of the One Young World Japan Community, organising events and participating in opportunities such as the One Young World Shine a Light Panel Series.

THE LEADS ASIA’s events have been attended by 500 people so far. Its first in-person event, hosted in collaboration with Waseda University and the Lee Heui Keon Korea-Japan Exchange Foundation, discussed the Japan-South Korea relationship from different perspectives. It also hosted an event on the Pacific War, its aftermath, and how it
continues to affect relations in the region. THE LEADS ASIA has also addressed discrimination in Japanese society through its events. The organisation has published articles that have reached around 1,000 people and which are translated into four languages. THE LEADS ASIA is currently working with professors from Waseda University and Chuo University on a student textbook detailing the relationship between Japan and South Korea.

“One Young World has had a huge impact on my leadership and on the work I do at THE LEADS ASIA. Attending the Summit, I realised what I’m really passionate about and it inspired me to take action for the future.”