There are many kinds impairment. Some are obvious. Some are not. Therefore, it was a revelation that we were given an opportunity to learn of the problems faced by people living with other types of impairment. We are different sides of the same coin. We suffer the same discrimination and prejudices. The morning’s session began with Ms. Mihoko Yamamoto sharing with us on the Needs of Persons with Hearing Disabilities and Support for Them. A few tears wee shed when Yamamoto-san related how she was forced to speak by rehabilitation personnel despite being aware of her impairment.

Mr. Hideo Ejima took the second session by presenting the Needs of Persons with Visual Disabilities and Support for Them. We learnt about the services that are provided for the blind such as peer counselling, Independent Living Programme, provisions of information and advocacy. What is lacking are guide helpers to assist them for engagements other than those for officially sanctioned events such as meeting with government officials and medical checkups. We could see that a lot still needs to be done for this category of impairment.

During our lunch break, we got Maejima-san to lead us to the Japan Council on Independent Living Centres (JIL) to thank them for giving us two electric wheelchairs to take back to Malaysia. One is for Kuala Lumpur and the other for Penang for us to conduct our pilot Independent Living Programme project. Nakanish-san also head the JIL. His staff and him were having lunch when we dropped in. We were embarrassed for intruding but they were gracious in sharing their time in explaining the working of JIL.

People with disabilities suffer from the same problems in fighting for equality although the needs are different. To advance our case, we need solidarity across the various groups to advocate our cause more effectively. Ms. Ito, another staff of the Human Care Association shared with us how we could work together with other groups to better use our resources optimally. This makes sense as we have often pushed for solutions affecting our own disabilities only.

The last session was a field trip to Hosono-san’s house. He is living with muscular dystrophy and is living independently. Hosono-san lead us from the Human Care Association to his house which is about a thirty-minute distance away. The sun was setting. The wind was freezingly cold. This twenty one year old man is an inspiration. His perseverance in self-determination has guided him to down this path. He is a role model for many. When I was twenty one, my courage was nowhere near his. When ignited properly, the human spirit is indomitable.

Mr. and Mrs. Nakanishi had invited us for dinner at his apartment for that day. It was thoughtful of Mrs. Nakanishi to order Chinese food that was not only delicious but a fresh change from the usual bento we have been having since our arrival. We exchanged ideas about Independent Living in Japan and how it could be implemented in Malaysia. It was another great honour to be sharing a meal with this incredible couple who have done in spreading the message that have empowered people with disabilities across Asia.

The taxi ride from Hino to Hachioji is always a pleasure. The blue sky and the clean uncluttered road is such a difference from the usual we see back home. There are not many skyscrapers here. Along the way, Maejima-san, our JICA coordinator would explain to us the finer points of Japanese culture.

First session of the day, Alliance with PWD in Asia was conducted by Akiyama-san. The topic covered included solidarity and advocacy of the Independent Living movement in Seoul, Thailand, Pakistan and The Philippines. Through the work of JICA and the Human Care Association, this concept is being spread throughout Asia.

The name Shoji Nakanishi is synonymous with the Independent Living Movement in Japan and Asia. Therefore, it was a great privilege to listen to him speak on the history and current development of the movement. He spent two hours with us, sharing his strategies and vision in empowering people with disabilities towards self-determination.

Jun Morita, the Personal Assistant Coordinator for Human Care Association presented the last session. Recruitment, Interview and Training of PA was an interesting topic. This system is not available in Malaysia. However, with this service, people with severe disabilities will be able to achieve independent living. This is one of the services that we are exploring to adopt in Malaysia.

After the lectures, we went to withdraw our allowance from the bank. Dazzling neon lighted up the city like I have never seen before. We then went to Yodobashi Camera, one of the more popular chain stores in Tokyo. On display there were some of the latest digital cameras. I wanted to get some nickel metal hydride batteries. Instead, I acquired more than what I had planned to buy. The booty included a Sanyo Quick Charger with four 2700 mah batteries, another set of four 2700 mah batteries and four Eneloop batteries. I have not totalled up the damage yet as I handed the cashier Y10,000 and did not count the change.

It was freezing cold. Snow blanketed the landscape. It was as if God dropped a big bucket of paint and it splattered on anything and everything. The view outside was spectacular. Shrubs, trees, roofs and the ground were covered with the pristine whiteness of powdery snow. The sky on the other hand was cloudless. The unblemished blue instilled a sense of joy and hope amid the chilly morning.

Today was an adventure in disaster. Siew Chin, Harry, Kim and Calvin had wanted to pray the Mass with me at the Roman Catholic Church in Hachioji. We got off at the wrong stop. As we were going to be late for the 10.00am Mass, we decided to go for Sunday service at the Methodist Church nearby. We ended up at Tachikawa and got totally disoriented.

The cold sapped the energy out of us. We were tired and hungry. I had salad at the Lumine food court. The range of food displayed was mind boggling. Each and every one of them tantalized my tastebuds. It was difficult to decide. After lunch, we had wanted to make a trip to Central Tokyo but decided otherwise. Changing trains from station to station in that weather simply drained our resolve and sense of adventure.

We decided to head back to the warmth and comfort of the Experience Room in Hino. On the way back to the train station, we did a little shopping at Isetan. There was a fair that displayed traditional Japanese food and crafts. I tried the smooth ice cream of green tea and soy. That was one of the weirdest tasting ice cream I had ever tasted.