In 2025, CWAJ celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Volunteers for Visually Impaired (VVI) Committee, providing unique and meaningful programs in English for Japanese with a visual impairment. Two special events are being held to celebrate five decades of VVI programs and CWAJ’s strong ties with the community of the visually impaired in Japan. Mark your calendars for these very special events!
- Life is Climbing: Documentary film viewing and Talk Event. Saturday, April 19 from 14:00 to 16:00 at Arcadia Ichigaya.
Don’t miss seeing Life is Climbing, the story of Koichiro Kobayashi “Koba”, award-winning paraclimber and founder of NPO Monkey Magic, and his sighted guide, Naoya Suzuki, professional rock climbing teacher and guide. We’re excited to announce that both “Koba” and Naoya will attend and do a Q&A with the audience. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. Audio Description in Japanese will also be available for the visually impaired. Families and students are welcome.
- VVI 50th Anniversary Charity Concert on Thursday, November 6 from 19:00 to 21:00 at Sumida Triphony Hall.
More details will be sent later, including how to get tickets, but for now save those dates! Joanna Chinen is coordinating the VVI 50th Anniversary Special Events. If you would like to volunteer to help with these events, please contact Joanna at joannacookchinen@gmail.com
We really need everyone’s support to make 2025 a memorable year. Please consider supporting VVI this year!
