In this talk, titled “The Ambition of the Ishida Family,” the speaker shares his journey of setbacks, resilience, and bold challenges. From dropping out of high school, failing in business, and facing debt and isolation, he was sustained by his grandparents’ unwavering belief and their words: “Even if you fail, try anyway.” With their support, he turned an unlikely idea—breeding beetles—into a nationwide enterprise with over 100 locations. Meanwhile, his twin brother became the youngest mayor in Japan, working to transform their hometown of Odate. This talk highlights how family bonds, perseverance, and courage can turn impossible dreams into reality. 本トークでは、「石田家の野望」と題して、石田家の家系に生まれ、数々の失敗や挫折を経験しながらも、祖父母の支えと「ダメでもともとなんだから、やってみなさい」という言葉を胸に挑戦を続けてきた歩みを語ります。高校中退、起業の失敗、借金、仲間の離脱――崖っぷちの中から再起し、カブトムシ養殖というユニークな事業を全国100拠点へと広げました。さらに兄は市長となり、家族とともに大館から地域と未来を変える挑戦を続けています。本トークは、家族の絆と挑戦の物語を通じて、「諦めずに挑戦することの価値」を伝えます。 【出身・Hometown】秋田県 / Akita秋田県大館市生まれ。青山学院大学経済学部に入学するも、起業することを決意し半年で退学。IT事業の会社を設立するもうまくいかず、祖父が体調を崩したことをきっかけに、秋田県大館市に帰郷。故郷で双子の兄とカブトムシに熱中し、現在の株式会社TOMUSHI設立。現在では環境省のスタートアップ大賞など、多くの注目を集める。ミッションである「地球にやさしい未来」のもと、昆虫を使った廃棄物処理と資源の循環をメイン事業に活動中。Born in Ōdate City, Akita Prefecture, he enrolled in the Faculty of Economics at Aoyama Gakuin University but decided to pursue entrepreneurship and dropped out after six months. Although his first IT business venture was unsuccessful, a turning point came when his grandfather fell ill, prompting him to return to his hometown of Ōdate.Back in his hometown, he and his twin brother became fascinated by rhinoceros beetles, which eventually led to the founding of TOMUSHI Inc. Today, the company has gained significant attention, including winning the Ministry of the Environment's Startup Award.Under the mission of creating a “future that is kind to the Earth”, TOMUSHI focuses on waste recycling and resource circulation using insects as its core business. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx