Talked About “Relationship and Marriage As a Person with Disability” in Houdoukyoku

Talked About “Relationship and Marriage As a Person with Disability” in Houdoukyoku

As I announced in my previous post, Jeff and I were broadcasted in “Houdoukyoku”, an online program of Fuji TV in Japan. We talked about the easy-to-wear wedding dress that I wore for Co-Co Life magazine in the beginning, and shared some episodes of our relationship and marriage life. I think we enjoyed talking about cultural differences (diet differences?) more than disability related topics. hahaha. We really appreciate Fuji TV for this precious opportunity! We enjoyed and loved the show!

Meet Senator Thomas Harkin at A Reception at U.S. Ambassador Residence

Meet Senator Thomas Harkin at A Reception at U.S. Ambassador Residence

This week has been very special for me. On September 27th, I was invited to a reception of disability community with Senator Thomas Harkin at the U.S. Ambassador Residence in Tokyo. Senator Thomas Harkin is one of the important people that push ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act) to be signed into law and has put strong effort to eliminate discriminations against people with disabilities over 30 years.

My Research in the US Has Come to An End!

My Research in the US Has Come to An End!

My research has started since last October and finally is reaching to an end this month! Only few days left to go back home, Japan. When I first got Syracuse, I had only worries like “I don’t know if I can live here for 1 year…”, but everywhere can be the best place after you live there a while. Now I really love Syracuse including its inconvenience and lots of hills. hahaha. I really thank people who have supported me here in Syracuse!

Talk about Disability Rights of Continue Living with Rooted in Rights

Talk about Disability Rights of Continue Living with Rooted in Rights

It has been 1 month since Sagamihara stabbings. This news shook not only Japan but also the world. After thinking “What I can do as a Japanese with disability?” , I decided to collaborate with Rooted in Rights (*) to create a clip about disability rights of continue living. Living is a basic human right. Everyone gets the right to continue living. People with disability do as well. Please check the clip out from here. You are welcome to share the clip to spread the word and defend human rights.

A Society that People Respect the Differences and Feel Value of Equality ~Interview Judith Heumann~

A Society that People Respect the Differences and Feel Value of Equality ~Interview Judith Heumann~

1 and half year ago, I was selected as a fellow of Duskin Ainowa Foundation, and I joined their lecture to learn about the history of disability movement in the US. I spent 2 years in the US for college, so I knew the accessible environment for wheelchair users as well as that disabled people live actively in a community. However, I am ashamed to say that I didn’t know the historical background of disability movement. This time in Washington DC, I had a precious opportunity to meet Judith Heumann, who is one of the key persons of disability movement in the US. She is a special advisor for international disability rights at U.S. Department of State.