To Make Dreams Come True - Let’s Work Together

This is the final post of my blog series on this theme.

My dream is to create an environment for Supported Employment Type B (SE-B) and to share the joy of working together.

I know it’s not easy.
Before the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, I was planning to establish an organization to realize a working environment for SE-B. With the cooperation of my younger son’s doctor, I was about to get started, but the earthquake forced me to give up the plan.
Even now, I find it hard to let go of this dream, which I had developed and planned with the help of so many people.

We often hear that we should not discriminate against people with disabilities. I believe it’s not discrimination but a lack of understanding of the condition that creates a natural barrier.

For example, if a small child is noisy, we might think it’s because they’re sleepy or in a bad mood. But if an adult behaves the same way, we might be shocked, avoid them, or misunderstand their behavior. Sometimes, the person has limited ways to express themselves and can only communicate by raising their voice. Those who already know this can naturally interact with these individuals. I started thinking this way after studying welfare a lot for my son.

It’s human nature to think of everything as someone else’s problem. It’s natural to only face it when it affects you or your family. However, I learned firsthand that just a little knowledge, kindness, and empathy can completely change the way we see the world.

My son’s doctor often says, “We want people to understand disabilities, but we don’t need pity.”

Since my child was diagnosed with a disability, I’ve come to understand the meaning of these words deeply.
Everyone is essentially the same. I have friends who have physical challenges but can do many things and live vibrantly because they must make the most of each day. I was struck by a friend who said this with a smile, realizing that life is challenging regardless of where you have a disability. That friend became someone I deeply respect for perspective on life.

Many people feel that their opportunities to work are limited due to various conditions. I always wonder if there’s something we can do. Although it may take time to realize a working environment for Supported Employment Types A and B, I strongly believe in making it happen someday.

In Onagawa, Miyagi Prefecture, we have been running a free music school for children, from preschoolers to junior high school students, for nearly a year.

It was an important first step toward making Onagawa the town of music. Now, we as instructors are learning so much from the children who come to lessons, eager and excited. We’re receiving this happy time from the children.
Each child has their own personality, and there are always new discoveries. During the pandemic, when singing in music classes was restricted, the children experienced many restrictions. Watching them regain that lost time and grow up by participating in recitals and festivals, performing in little bands, and singing is our greatest joy.
During lessons, children sometimes share their worries about school or personal issues, and we work together to solve them. This aspect of the music school brings us, the instructors, immense joy.

We want to spread the idea of “Onagawa, the town of music.”

Please, if you’re in the area, come and see the children’s joyful lessons. We aim to turn the ideal of “it would be nice to have a school like this” into a reality.
I believe in the power of music to bring more smiles to everyone’s faces.