Recent Articles
Recent Articles
Eyes on the Future: Soaring High! | YouTuber Katsumi Torigoe Continues to Challenge with Muscular Dystrophy
Katsuo Torigoe, who developed muscular dystrophy in his childhood, gradually found it difficult to walk. There was a time when he continued to hide his illness and lost confidence. However, at the age of 30, he realized that "there are things I can do precisely because of my illness," and he made a significant transformation in his life […]
【Bringing the Winds of DX to the Welfare Industry】Takuya Matsumoto Faces Spinal Muscular Atrophy While Challenging Industry Transformation
Takuya Matsumoto, who lives in a wheelchair due to spinal muscular atrophy, is challenging the digital transformation (DX) of the welfare industry. Through a matching service called "Fukuhapi Aichi," he aims to eliminate the information gap between users and service providers, striving for greater efficiency across the entire industry. Additionally, Ins […]
"Building Bridges from a Silent World: Kana Tanaka's Challenge in Facing a Rare Disease"
Diagnosed with the rare disease "Neurofibromatosis Type II" in the fifth grade, Kana Tanaka now lives as a wheelchair user and hearing-impaired individual. While thriving as a freelance writer, she continues to send encouragement to people in similar situations through social media. This time, she discusses facing her illness […]
"The Power to Turn the Impossible into Possible: The Challenge of Tomohiro Izumi, Who Recovered from a Brain Hemorrhage at 34"
Izumi Tomohiro, who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 34 resulting in hemiplegia, has successfully returned to work. He is actively involved in organizing chat meetings for those affected and sharing his experiences on social media. This time, he discusses how he copes with his illness, his journey back to society, and his future plans […]
"Towards Architecture Inspired by Human Body and Behavior: A New Relationship Between People and Architecture by Somato First-Class Architect Office's Junya Watanabe"
From medium to large-scale structures like sports facilities and university buildings to small-scale constructions like private residences, Junya Watanabe has extensive experience in a wide range of architectural design. Based on the belief that "all architecture is connected to the human body," he is dedicated to architectural design that values human actions and experiences […]
"Creating a City Where Everyone Can Walk with Confidence: Daisuke Uchiyama's Challenge in Developing an Accessible Map"
Daisuke Uchiyama, who began using a wheelchair in middle school, experienced a turning point in his life when he discovered programming. He now works as an engineer and is involved in developing the app "Divers Map," which shares information about wheelchair and stroller-friendly routes. […]
"Creating Together to Move Society Forward" Expanding the Possibilities of Inclusive Design with PLAYWORKS Representative Keita Takizawa
Inclusive design is a design approach that involves co-creating with diverse lead users, such as people with disabilities. For more information on inclusive design, please refer to the article below. Reference: What is Inclusive Design? The 6 Differences from Universal Design […]
"Once Decided, Make It Happen": Shingo Shin'ei Talks About Enjoying a Life of Challenges and the Path to Budokan
With the aspiration of "creating a world where everyone can freely enjoy challenges," Shingo Shinei is taking on the challenge of performing at the Budokan. While excelling in insurance sales, he continues to fuel his passion for "what he truly wants to do" and is moving forward with new challenges. This time, during his student days […]
"Creating a Space Where Everyone Can Enjoy Equally: Miho Makino Leverages Her Wheelchair Experience to Explore New Possibilities"
Makiho Makino is creating a place where everyone can enjoy from the same perspective, regardless of disabilities, with the unique concept of a "standing bar where you don't stand." Having experienced life in a wheelchair after developing transverse myelitis at the age of five, she is changing the "norm" slightly to create new opportunities.
"Everything Begins with Knowing Yourself": Tsuha-san Discusses Decisions at Life's Crossroads and New Challenges
Since the age of 10, Tsuuhaa has been contemplating "wanting to be a good person" and has been facing themselves. In university, they dedicated themselves to club activities, and at 27, they transitioned to a foreign-affiliated company, achieving top sales performance within the company. Then, at 35, due to an accident, they suffered a spinal cord injury and […]
"If You Live for Others, Value Yourself" - Why Ryota Kawasaki, a Rare Disease Patient "1 in 100,000," Continues to Support Independent Living
Ryota Kawasaki, the director of "CIL Hikari" in Kagoshima Prefecture, and his wife, Hitomi. We asked them about the reasons for continuing their independent living support and their broadcasts that resonate with many.
What I Can Share as a Person with Cerebral Palsy, a Wheelchair User, and a Social Worker – Miku
This time, we spoke with Miku, a social worker who is active in the field of welfare and continues to share her experiences and thoughts on social media. Miku's social media is supported by individuals with disabilities and parents who are struggling with raising children with disabilities […]
"I Blamed Myself Over and Over, But I Didn't Want to Give Up: Exploring the Journey of Sou-kun's Mom and Her Severely Disabled Child, Sou-kun"
This time, we spoke with Yuko Yamashita (Soh-kun's mom), the representative of the peer support group "Care Mami" based in Saga City, Saga Prefecture. Soh-kun has physical disabilities due to the aftereffects of a brain hemorrhage that occurred before birth, and he usually uses a buggy (a mobility aid classified as a type of wheelchair) […]
What is "SECTIO" by Taimon Kawazoe, Designed for Those Who Love Fashion?
Are you aware of a fashion brand designed by individuals with disabilities and physical therapists who are experts in body mechanics? Due to the impact of disabilities, some people cannot wear the clothes they want or feel stylish. This brand aims to solve these issues for people with disabilities while also offering attractive fashion for those without disabilities.
What Kind of Barrier-Free Society Is Minori Kato Aiming for, Where Everyone Can Go Out with Peace of Mind?
"I was trying to become the ideal disabled person," says Minori Kato. Kato suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta, a rare disease that makes bones fragile, and requires assistance for most of her daily life at home. Having a disability presents challenges to those around her […]
Marina Katsura | Becoming a Registered Nurse as a Wheelchair Mom of Two! ~Paving the Way Without Precedents, What Only I Can Convey~
"My hobby is taking on challenges," says Mariko Katsura, a wheelchair user and mother of two. Katsura's childhood dream was to become a midwife. She was captivated by the sanctity of life at a young age when she witnessed the scene of many babies lined up during her mother's childbirth. […]
"Through 'Expression,' I Want to Inspire as Many People as Possible: A Closer Look at Disabled Model Aruhi Maruhashi!"
Are you aware of the existence of disabled models? This time, we interviewed Shuyu Maruhashi, a disabled model affiliated with Access Beauty Management. Maruhashi first encountered expressive activities when he was in middle school. Using his whole body to move the heart […]
The Best Duo Surpassing the Concept of Intensive Home Care: "Kimura & Kubota"
"I want to make Awaji Island a place where we continue to support someone's dreams," says Mr. Kimura, who has muscular dystrophy, and Mr. Kubota, his caregiver. Although they are a user and a caregiver, the two are also partners in their activities. The people around them are excited […]
Yuzuchi Mama: Meeting My Daughter with Severe Physical and Mental Disabilities, Trisomy 18, Learning and Continuing to Share
Marriage, childbirth, parenting. At first glance, these may seem like ordinary events in life, but they are actually a series of miracles. The mom we are introducing this time, Yuzuchi Mama, is one of the mothers who strongly felt these miracles through childbirth and parenting. Her only daughter, Yuzuchi-chan, has the condition of Trisomy 18 […]
Creating a Safe, UV-Free Space: A Close Look at Takkun's Mom, Living with Xeroderma Pigmentosum!
Are you aware of diseases that prevent people from being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays? UV rays are not only present outdoors; you can also be exposed to them indoors, such as in restaurants and shopping malls. For those who cannot be exposed to UV rays, […]
【Bringing the Talents of People with Disabilities to Society through Art Rentals】What is the New Self-Support Initiative Created by Miroku Yugafu's Representative Sawada?
Art has great potential for individuals to showcase their talents, even if they have disabilities. This is demonstrated by the rental art business started by Yuki Sawada, the representative of the General Incorporated Association Miroku Yugafu. Sawada supports artists with disabilities […]
Supporting LGBTQ Individuals Through Love and Marriage Counseling: Exploring the Charms of Dr. Lily, Director of Dr. Lily's Love Clinic!
"The shape of happiness is different for everyone. I want to value each person's feelings and how they want to live." With a strong conviction, Dr. Lily, who has conducted counseling for over 1,800 people, shares her insights. This time, Dr. Lily, who serves as the director […]
【Using Personal Experience of Stroke to Support Patients with Rehabilitation and Treatment Advice】A Closer Look at Kunihiro Kawabata, Representative of the General Incorporated Association Stroke Life Advisor Association!
People who have suffered a stroke and their families may face challenges not only in rehabilitation and treatment but also in social reintegration and daily life. This time, we interviewed Kunihiro Kawabata, the representative of the Japan Stroke Life Advisor Association. Kawabata [...]
Because I Struggled with an Invisible Disability, I Want to Support Those Who Find Life Difficult. Delving into the Thoughts that Non-san, Who Suffers from Vocal Cord Atrophy, Wants to Convey!
Do you have people with disabilities around you? According to the Cabinet Office, there are approximately 9.64 million people with disabilities in the country. This figure includes those with physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities, and since some individuals have multiple disabilities, it is not a simple total. However, it represents a significant portion of the population […]
【Supporting Women's Independence Through Remote Work】Interview with Shou Shimizu, Executive Officer of Merone Co., Ltd.! The Challenge Towards a Barrier-Free Future
"I am convinced that if women become empowered, families and society will also become energized," says Sho Shimizu, an executive officer at Merone Corporation. Having faced complex family circumstances, Shimizu began to contemplate the happiness of families and has been active in the bridal industry […]
【To Teachers of Special Support Schools to Solve Employment Challenges for People with Disabilities】What Kind of Society is Created by TUCURU's Career Formation Support Project Representative Ishii, Utilizing Likes and Strengths?
There are individuals addressing the challenges of employment for people with disabilities through education. This time, we interviewed Kohei Ishii, the representative of the career development support project TUCURU. Mr. Ishii is also an active teacher at a special needs school. Established to promote the employment of people with disabilities […]
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[Aiming for a Society Where Everyone Can Shine Through eSports] An Interview with Kato, CEO of ePARA!
What does gaming mean to you? Some may think of games as just a pastime. However, there are companies that take this playful spirit seriously. This time, we interviewed Mr. Daiki Kato, the CEO of ePARA Inc. Formerly […]
Brightening Disability and Sexuality: The Society Created by Rie Konishi, a Sex Worker Specializing in Clients with Disabilities
Information about the sexuality of people with disabilities is still limited, and there may be individuals who are left to deal with it alone without anyone to consult. This time, we interviewed Rie Konishi, the representative of the General Incorporated Association Kirameki Seisakusho and a sex worker specializing in services for people with disabilities. […]
"Reaching 800 People with Disabilities and Changing the Future of Clothing Choices Through Services: A Close Look at Cowardrobe Inc.'s Representative Maeda!"
Due to disabilities or illnesses, some people may prioritize comfort over appearance and design when choosing fashion. "Everyone should be able to enjoy fashion naturally." There are companies that respond to such desires. This time, […]
Famous Photographer Makoto Ishizuka Coming to Visit
This time, we interviewed photographer Makoto Ishizuka. Ishizuka is an active photographer who has held solo exhibitions in New York and Paris. Additionally, he has collaborated on King Kong's YouTube […]