Regular Meeting 139, Feb. 17, 2026 (Hybrid)

On February 17, we had a truly memorable meeting at Shin-Osaka Leaders Toastmasters Club.

It was Yoshi’s debut as Toastmaster of the Day.Although he currently lives in Tokyo, he made a special trip to Osaka because he wanted to take on this role in person at the venue. With a very tight schedule — catching the last Shinkansen back to Tokyo — he embraced this new challenge with dedication and enthusiasm. His commitment reminded us that growth often requires effort, intention, and sometimes even a long train ride.

On the same day, Swan, who usually joins us online, delivered his speech onsite. His topic was Nonviolent Communication. For many of us, it was the first time hearing about this concept, yet we quickly realized how deeply relevant it is to our everyday lives. Communication is at the heart of everything we do, and his speech offered valuable insights into how we can build greater understanding and empathy in our relationships.

We normally see Yoshi and Swan through a screen, so having both of them with us in person made the meeting especially meaningful. While hybrid meetings allow us to connect across distances, there is something truly special about sharing the same physical space.

Watching our members step up and take on new roles is one of the greatest joys of being part of this club. Each new challenge embraced is a sign of growth — and that spirit of continuous improvement is what makes Shin-Osaka Leaders so inspiring.

As Club President, I am always proud to see our members stretch beyond their comfort zones and support one another. Moments like this remind me that leadership is not about position, but about courage — the courage to show up, to try something new, and to grow together.

Maho Hummel

President 2025-2026