VVI 50TH Anniversary Booklet Screen reader friendly version * You can jump to the next section by searching # #Greetings Heidi Zukoski Sweetnam CWAJ President 2025 On behalf of the College Women’s Association of Japan, it is my pleasure to introduce this booklet summarizing 50 years of the Volunteers for the Visually Impaired (VVI) service to the visually impaired community. In this booklet you will see many examples of the members’ love and dedication to giving persons with visual impairments the opportunity to reach their full potential and make a contribution to the greater social good. CWAJ has made a difference in so many individuals’ lives and we continue doing so today. In 2025, in honor of VVI’s 50th Anniversary, CWAJ organized two public events highlighting the success of two individuals with visual impairment. The first was a special showing of a movie that won the Japan Movie Critics Award in 2024, called Life is Climbing. This film features the journey of a Japanese visually impaired man as he masters the skills of rock climbing and reaches the heights of mountains around the world. The second event was the VVI 50th Anniversary Concert featuring two musicians, one of whom was a CWAJ 2021 Recipient. She is recognized today as an accomplished musician performing throughout Japan. When invited to perform at this event, she answered with a ringing response, “Yes! It has been my dream to perform for CWAJ!” Especially in this commemorative year, I am also proud to report that CWAJ’s service was recognized by the prestigious Tokyo Helen Keller Association. CWAJ was awarded the 33rd Helen Keller Sullivan Award that “recognizes sighted individuals who have made significant contributions to the self-reliance and betterment of lives for the visually impaired, particularly in the area of education, social welfare and culture.” Everyone should know that this award honors the past, current and future members who have so well represented CWAJ’s commitment to community service and cultural exchange. Congratulations to CWAJ! #What is VVI Volunteers for the Visually Impaired (VVI) is one of the Education Programs within the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ). CWAJ was founded in 1949 by a small group of Japanese and American women who were committed to education and cross-cultural exchange. The Association is a volunteer, not-for-profit organization which focuses on providing scholarships and for holding the annual Print Show which is renowned internationally. VVI is dedicated to supporting a variety of activities for the visually impaired. This year, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of VVI. 50 years ago, in 1975, the environment for the visually impaired was very different from today. A small group gathered to think of ways to improve the needs of the visually impaired. The activities began with a reading service to college students on an individual basis as well as making cassette tape recordings and Braille transcriptions for them. This expanded into the English Conversation Gatherings, teaching at the vocational school, publishing material in Braille and other programs. VVI was able to continue for half a century due to the following three points: 1) Staying sensitive to the needs of society 2) Taking immediate action when required 3) Being flexible to every changing situation With the speedy development of technology, the visually impaired are facing a very advanced world today giving them extensive independence and confidence in their daily lives. VVI will continue to support the visually impaired well into the future to help them achieve all their dreams and goals. #Messages In Commemoration of VVI’s 50th Anniversary Chuji Sashida Executive Director, National Committee of Welfare for the Blind in Japan, Inc. (Waseda University, Faculty of Law, 1974–1978) When I was a first year student at Waseda University, I learned through Mr. Shinjiro Matsui that the College Women’s Association of Japan (CWAJ) had begun volunteer activities. Around January 1975, I made my first request for an English literature reading. The volunteer was Mrs. Abrams, the wife of a U.S. Navy officer stationed in Yokosuka. We first met at the Sanno Hotel in Akasaka, where I handed her the book The Book of Tea and spoke briefly about its contents. From my second year, I began receiving private English conversation lessons from another volunteer. We met once a week at the Roppongi subway station, and I would visit her home for lessons. She initially suggested using English 900 as the textbook, but since I had already used it at the school for the blind, I proposed that we focus on more practical topics. I explained in detail the movement I was involved in at the time to improve the academic environment for blind students, and we engaged in repeated Q&A sessions. The volunteer was Ms. Diana C. Harries, a native of the United Kingdom with experience working at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. She spoke Queen’s English and was fluent in French. Ms. Harries also took an interest in my future career. Around 1977, she began assisting me in gathering information for a study I was conducting on the possibilities for visually impaired individuals to pursue legal careers overseas. As I frequently spoke about the challenges in educational access for blind students, she developed a strong interest in the subject and showed support for establishing a scholarship system for blind university students. In this way, the early supporters of VVI began by engaging directly with us, learning about the realities faced by blind students, and offering support where they could. Thanks to their dedication, our learning environment has greatly improved over the past half-century. Masaki Hirokawa Director of Vocational Training Department The Japan Vocational Development Center for the Blind and Low Vision I joined the Center on August 1, 2002. On April 1 of this year, I realized that I had been working for 22 years and 8 months at the Center. When I joined the Center, an English conversation curriculum by CWAJ had already been established. Here, I will explain a little about the courses. I am in charge of the Office Processing Department, which was initiated in 1994, and also the OA Practice Department established in 1997. Both were opened as a course for the severely visually impaired. We conduct training with the same curriculum and accept visually impaired people who want to work. Specifically, we provide practical training to operate offiice equipment using various complementary devices such as audio software, and necessary training to be an office worker including business manners, bookkeeping, and social insurance. And there is also a 90-minute English conversation class by CWAJ. I would like to recount a story I heard from a senior when I was a student. It was about a new employee who answered a call from an overseas business partner. He hung up the phone without saying a word. “Is that some kind of joke?” I asked the senior student. He said, “No, this is a true story.” In addition, as an example of a job offer for people with disabilities, it is not uncommon to require English skills such as a TOEIC score of 730 points or more, or Eiken Test Grade 2 for licenses and qualifications. I am not good at English at all. But I always think of how much fun it would be if I could speak English. When I heard the above story from the senior student, I immediately thought that I could be placed in exactly the same situation since my knowledge of English is insufficient. It is true that some trainees are taking English classes for the first time in decades. However, since joining the English class, their English skills have been improving in stages. Those who could not speak at all are now able to speak a little, and those who could speak a little are now able to speak more fluently. I also hear that the students have developed a deeper understanding of conversational English. I am extremely grateful to the volunteers who are sent from CWAJ for developing and providing attractive classes to the students at the Center. Satoshi Fukushima Project Professor, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo SVI Scholarship Recipient in 1986 “Progris riport”. About 40 years ago, Virginia Okamura, a VVI member, transcribed “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes into English Braille. And this is the beginning of the story. As you can see, there are spelling errors. But these mistakes are the key to appreciate this world’s renowned science fiction even more. “Pay attention to pronunciation of the “L” sound. It’ll make your speech sound much more refined.” The VVI member advised me when I was practicing my English speech to give at a conference in Sweden in 1989. It was the first time I introduced to the world the finger Braille my mother invented for me. I was awarded the CWAJ Scholarship in 1986. In the same year, my father fell seriously ill and we were in grave economic distress. The scholarship was an immense support for my family. I owe what I am today to CWAJ and VVI, and I deeply express my gratitude to you. Tomoko Mori Long-Time Visually Impaired Friend At first, I would like to talk about my situation before I came into contact with CWAJ. During my elementary school days, I listened passionately to music on the radio every day. I was particularly fond of foreign popular songs. I used to sing the songs I heard on the radio repeatedly without understanding the meaning of the words, but I paid attention to the correct pronunciation of the lyrics. In junior high school, I had little chance to practice English conversation. In senior high school, I joined the afterschool English conversation circle every Saturday where a Canadian teacher taught us basic daily conversation. During the last year as a student, I toured the U.S. with blind school students and teachers from all over Japan for ten days. I had the invaluable experience of talking with a lot of American people in English during the trip. After the trip, I exposed myself to various kinds of English through my favorite music and radio English conversation programs. Now I enjoy learning English at Kanagawa Light Center's English conversation club with my husband once a month. My new life began in Yokohama. My husband, SVI Scholarship Recipient in 1984, recommended me to participate in the gathering of VVI. So I attended occasionally. VVI members always guided us from the station. Divided into small groups, we enjoyed speaking English or listening to a guest speaker’s talk in a cozy atmosphere. Sometimes small concerts were held. Once, during a gathering, I tried to take medicine. I was overwhelmed with gratitude when a CWAJ member gently held my hand to the glass. I remember her kindness vividly even today. In addition to ECGs, Hands-on Art takes place at the annual CWAJ Print Show. I also attend this program. I enjoy artistic works by touching tactile prints. I can expand my imagination by listening to and reading the explanation in Braille. I also enjoy a documentary film using headphones. I also like to watch old foreign movies or famous musicals. Last but not least, this year is the memorial year of CWAJ/VVI. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you. I hope that the activities of VVI will continue for a long time into the future. #Current Activities English Teaching We volunteer regularly as English teachers to support carrier opportunities at the Japan Vocational Development Center for the Blind and Low Vision (JVDCB). English Conversation Gathering (ECG) We hold informal Gatherings with the visually impaired to promote cultural exchange in English. Tsukuba Mock Interviews Program We assist visually impaired students with English proficiency tests (EIKEN) at the Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba. Hands-on Art We collaborate with the CWAJ Print Show by organizing “Hands-on Art” to assist the visually impaired to appreciate tactile art. English Conversation Partners We provide students of Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba, with opportunities to enjoy one-on-one conversations with native English-speaking members online. Newsletter We issue a Newsletter triannually in Japanese for the visually impaired by e-mail. History of VVI 1974 Begins to recruit volunteers via the CWAJ Newsletter to read English textbooks and teach English to visually impaired university students 1975 Establishes a group to help visually impaired students Sends volunteers to international seminars organized by the National Council of Social Welfare Agencies for the Blind 1976 Begins the Blind Students Friendship Group (BSFG) as a Special Interest Group Provides the following services: Braille English transcription, and tape recording and reading in English and other languages 1978 Inaugurates the CWAJ Scholarship for Visually Handicapped Graduate Students for the first time in Japan Undertakes the following activities: · Translates and distributes information about the CWAJ Scholarship Programs · Orders Braille books from the US Library of Congress, etc． · Offers tape rental service “Blind Students Tape Bank” 1979 Becomes part of the CWAJ Scholarship Committee and changes the name to Volunteers for Blind Students (VBS) Sends native English speakers to assist English classes at the School for the Blind, University of Tsukuba Translates and publishes If You Could See What I Hear written by Tom Sullivan, a blind singer, songwriter into Japanese. 9,000 copies printed (Simul Press Inc.) 1980 CWAJ expands scholarship eligibility to 3rd and 4th year university students Becomes a standing committee of CWAJ 1984 Is now under the umbrella of the Education Committee Holds the first “Barbecue Party” which evolves into a Picnic, then annual event 1985 Assists The Optacon Seminar at The Japan-US Conference on the Handicapped and other international conferences. Receives an award from The Japan Optacon Committee for cooperating with seminars 1986 Publishes the first English Braille song book in Japan – VBS English Songbook in Braille 1987 Holds Fundraising Concert: Performer: Takayoshi Wanami (violin). At the Embassy of New Zealand Awarded by the National Council of Social Welfare Agencies for the Blind for contributing to the visually impaired community Holds the first VBS Employment Information Workshop for visually impaired students 1988 Publishes Vol. 2 of the VBS English Songbook in Braille Begins the “VBS Student Newsletter” in Japanese Braille Holds the first Table Manners Workshop for visually impaired students 1990 Celebrates VBS 15th Anniversary Special CWAJ/VBS Award given to Akiyoshi Takamura (CWAJ Scholarship recipient), a math teacher at the School for the Blind, University of Tsukuba, for his work on computerizing Braille Holds 15th Anniversary Concert Performers: Two CWAJ Scholarship recipients Genzo Takehisa (harpsichord) Yoshiharu Horikoshi (narration). At the Embassy of Turkey Publishes Vol.3 of VBS English Songbook in Braille 1991 Issues “VBS Students Newsletter” in Japanese large print Offers the CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Challenged first time to a graduate student to study abroad 1992 Begins English Conversation Gatherings (ECG) Starts “Voice Letter” (English essay on tape by CWAJ members) later called “Essays on Tape” in English 1994 Translates the video tape The Twenty Year Course of Optacon into English in collaboration with the Japan Vocational Development Center for the Blind and Low Vision (JVDCB) 1995 Celebrates VBS 20th Anniversary The CWAJ/VBS 20th Anniversary Award given to Julia Cassim for her work helping the visually impaired gain access to visit museums Holds 20th Anniversary Concert Performers: Fujihiro Tanabe (violin) Haruhiro Nagasawa(piano) Toru Amano (vocal). At Taisei Kensetsu Hall Compiles the history booklet, Passage of 20 Years of VBS Publishes Vol. 4 of VBS English Songbook in Braille in collaboration with NHK Begins weekly English classes at the Japan Vocational Development Center for the Blind and Low Vision. 1996 Begins Hands-on Art (HoA), 3-D images of the prints, at the 41st CWAJ Print Show Receives an award from the School for the Blind, University of Tsukuba, for the continuous contribution to English education 1999 Holds the final VBS Annual Picnic 2000 Celebrates VBS 25th Anniversary Holds 25th Anniversary Concert: Performers: · Hajime Minamisawa, (CWAJ Scholarship recipient, violin) · Alumnae Handbell Club, School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba · Sleepyhead Beans (Gospel) At the Embassy of Canada Publishes Vol.5 of VBS English Songbook in Braille 2001 VBS changes name to Volunteers for the Visually Impaired (VVI). 2003 Hands-on Art returns to the CWAJ Print Show after a year’s hiatus Adopts a new logo for VVI Produces the last “Essays on Tape” as demand for this service declines due to advances in technology. Offers recordings upon request 2004 Hands-on Art becomes a regular program of the CWAJ Print Show. Criteria for CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired is expanded to include 2nd year students 2005 Celebrates VVI 30th Anniversary Publishes picture book Guri and Gura transcribed into English Braille for the first time in Japan Compiles the history booklet 30 Years of VVI Renames CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Challenged to CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired (SVI) Holds ECG Event: The first joint event between ECG and the Foreign Students’ Circle (FSC) 2006 Uploads information about ECGs on the CWAJ website in both Japanese and English Holds the first joint event with Friends of Music (FoM), CWAJ Interest Group 2007 Holds the second joint event with FoM Replaces English classes with Mock Interviews for the Eiken English Proficiency Test at Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba 2008 Participates in Charity Concert organized by the Italian Women’s Association Performers:Kimura Sisters (piano). At the Italian Cultural Institute Tokyo ¥800,000 donated to CWAJ 2009 Holds a joint Blind Soccer Event with Children’s English Circle (CEC) and FSC 2010 Celebrates VVI 35th Anniversary Holds a Blind Bowling Event 2011 Begins teaching a half-year course in addition to the full-year course at the request of JVDCB Holds ECG Events: Following the Great East Japan Earthquake. At Shibuya Josei Center Iris · About South Africa, At the Embassy of South Africa Holds a Charity Concert to raise funds for visually impaired affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake Performers: · Rie and Risa Kimura (piano) · Ryota Kuriyama (guitar/vocal) · Alumnae Handbell Choir, Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba, At Pasona Hall 2012 Averages a record number of visually impaired participating in ECGs due to the venues it was held at such as Embassies 2013 Holds ECG Events: · Guided tour of Yokohama Museum of Art · Joint event with FoM at St. Alban’s Church 2014 Holds ECG Event: · Christmas in Austria and the Philippines at Shibuya Diversity Center Iris Holds three Tsukuba Mock Interviews 2015 Celebrates VVI 40th Anniversary Holds ECG Events: · Concert with Austrian Ambassador in attendance Performers: Kimura Sisters (piano) Hajime Minamisawa (vocal) At the Austrian Ambassador’s Residence · Holds a second joint Blind Bowling event with FSC At Takadanobaba Citizen Bowl Makes “Thank You” cards in English Braille for HoA guests VVI Newsletter subscribers increases to 200 nationwide. Holds three Tsukuba Mock Interviews. Holds VVI 40th Anniversary Event Performers: Yusuke Anazawa (violin) Hajime Minamisawa (vocal) accompanied by Kimura Sisters Speakers: Rie Yasuhara, CWAJ Scholarship recipient/member Fumikazu Sato, former JVDCB student. At Gakushuin University 100th Memorial Hall Compiles the history book: 40 Years of VVI 2016 Holds three ECG Events: · Indian Culture At Shibuya Diversity Center Iris · Yoga lesson with FSC students At Tokyo Women’s Plaza · Taiko drumming performance & Experience Performer: Ryota Kataoka (Japanese Drum player) At Azabu Kids-to-Teens Hall Exhibits Hands-on Art at the 60th Anniversary of CWAJ Print Show in the United States 2017 Holds four ECG Events: · New Zealand culture.SVI Scholarship Recipients participating.At Shibuya Diversity Center Iris · Brazilian Samba Lecture by Ambassador. At the Brazilian Embassy · Egyptian Culture. At Shibuya Diversity Center Iris · Experiences “what being visually impaired” by participating in “Dialogue in the Dark” 2018 Terminates Braille transcriptions activity other than making Braille “Thank You” cards for Hands-on Art Holds two ECG Events: · American South history and current situation. At Shibuya Diversity Center Iris · Christmas in Holland vs. the Philippines. At Shibuya Diversity Center Iris Begins English Conversation Classes at Japan Braille Library 2019 Holds two ECG Events: · Tea Ceremony experience joined by FSC students.At the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center · Talk by Paralympic athlete and experiences sound table tennis At Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba 2020 Begins online activities due to COVID-19 · Some English conversation classes at JVDCB · Eiken Mock Interviews at Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba Holds Online ECG Events: · ”Hobbies” · ”Food” · ”Tradition” Holds online “Artist Talk” as Hands-on Art event Speaker: Raifu Hirota (print artist) Subject: “Hadaka-no-piano” with English interpretation followed by Q&A Suspends English Conversation Class at Japan Braille Library due to COVID 19 2021 Holds Online ECG Events: · Eliza Sidmore winner of the March 1912 Cherry Blossom Tree Planting Festival in Washington, D.C. · Iranian New Year traditional events · Talk by Paralympics athlete Speaker: Tomomi Ishiura (CWAJ Scholarship Recipient) Special online event: “Rakugo Performance” Entertainer: Entaro Tachibanaya, 8th Generation of the Tachibana family with English interpretation and Q&A Holds online “Artist Talk” as Hands-on Art event · Speaker: Kayoko Miyayama Subject: “Magnolia”. With English interpretation followed by Q&A 2022 Launches a new online program ”English Conversation Partners” (ECP) to students at Special Needs Education School for the Visually Impaired, University of Tsukuba, to provide conversation with native speakers CWAJ Charity Concert Performers : Narimichi Kawabata (violin) Yumiko Emura (piano accompaniment). At Jiyu-Gakuen Myonichi-kan Resumes in-person Hands-on Art at the CWAJ Print Show at Hillside Forum, Daikanyama Holds ECG Event: · Movie viewing with post-viewing discussion in English. At Cinema Chupki Tabata (theater equipped with audio translations for the visually impaired) 2023 Holds ECG Events: · ”What kind of country is Tunisia?” (online) · Movie viewing with post- viewing discussion in English · At Cinema Chupki Tabata Holds Hands-on Art at the CWAJ Print Show. At Hillside Forum Daikanyama 2024 Holds ECG Events: · Swedish culture. At Temple University, Japan Campus. First in-person ECG within four years · Online Talk: “Living in Japan as a Disabled”. Speaker: Josh Grisdale Followed by Q&A with the visually impaired 2025 Celebrating VVI 50th Anniversary Awarded the 33rd Helen Keller Sullivan Award by Tokyo Helen Keller Association Anniversary Events: · Film Viewing and Talk Show with the protagonists. “Life is Climbing” Participated by Koichiro Kobayashi (visually impaired climber) and Naoya Suzuki (Pro-climber/instructor) At Arcadia Ichigaya. · CWAJ VVI 50th Anniversary Concert Performers: Rika Sugata (Piano) Seina Kudo (Vocal). At Sumida Triphony Hall Small Hall Holds ECG Event (online) invited by FSC: · ”The World of Movie Scenes Speaker: Wakana Morozumi (Movie subtitle translator) Exhibition of CWAJ Prints at Highfield Hall & Gardens Compiles the 50th Anniversary History Booklet 50 Years of VVI Two media coverage · Braille Journal (Tokyo Helen Keller Association) · Nitten Forum (Japan Braille Library) VVI now under the umbrella of CWAJ Community Service #Recipients of CWAJ Scholarship for the Visually Impaired Total: 84 (SA)* = Study Abroad Year Name University Major 1978 Ryoichi Namai Tokyo Institute of Technology/PhD Physics 1978 Akiko Shibata Okayama University/ MA English Literature English Literature 1979 Mamoru Fujiyoshi University of Tsukuba/Ph.D. Education 1979 Mitsuto Tanaka Doshisha University Literature 1980 Fumio Obara Kwansei Gakuin University/ Ph.D. Sociology 1981 Genzo Takehisa Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music /MA Musicology 1982 Seok-yun Choe Wako University Psychology 1982 Yoshiharu Horikoshi University of Tsukuba/MA Linguistics 1983 Yachiyo Murakami Kwansei Gakuin University Social Welfare 1983 Akiyoshi Takamura Rikkyo University Mathematics 1984 Jun Ishikawa University of Tokyo/Ph.D. Sociology 1984 Katsuhiro Mori Kyoto Foreign Language University Literature 1985 Takuji Murata Tokyo Metropolitan University/MA Civil Law 1985 Yuichiro Yamashita Miyagi University of Education Mathematics 1986 Satoshi Fukushima Tokyo Metropolitan University Education 1986 Yoshiharu Horikoshi University of Tsukuba/MA Linguistics 1987 Fumihito Tanaka Wako University Humanities 1988 Kiyohide Ito Wako University Psychology 1989 Yoshinori Shimazu Chuo University Law 1990 Reiko Takahashi International Christian University Psychology 1991 Masao Murai Chuo University/MA German Literature 1991 Manabu Aoki (SA)* Central Washington University TESL 1992 Toshiaki Aomatsu International Christian University International Law 1992 Mayuko Baba Sophia University/MA French Literature 1992 Yasuhiko Takeda Doshisha University Sociology 1993 Miyuki Kaji Japan Welfare University Social Welfare 1993 Aya Matsukata J.F.Oberlin University English Literature 1994 Koujiro Hisabe Kyoto University of Foreign Studies /MA Linguistics 1994 Norihito Watanabe Aichi University Psychology 1995 Mayumi Aoyagi University of Tsukuba Social Welfare 1995 Eiichi Emi Japan Lutheran College Social Welfare 1996 Kunihide Maruyama Hokkaido University/MS Mathematics 1996 Eriko Watanabe (SA)* University of British Columbia Library Science 1997 Megumi Iguchi Taisho University Social Welfare 1997 Yoshiyuki Tsuda University of Tsukuba/MS Mathematics 1998 Tomoaki Kuramoto Osaka Metropolitan University/Ph.D. Social Welfare 1998 Takayuki Taniuchi Toyo University/MA Social Welfare 1999 Takashi Kikuchi (SA)* Royal Academy of Music Viola 1999 Hajime Minamisawa Musashino Music College/MA Musicology 1999 Koji Yoshimoto Tokyo Institute of Technology/MS Physics 2001 Yuka Fujita (SA)* Boston University/MA Rehabilitation Counseling 2001 Hironobu Miyake Toyo University Law 2002 Takehito Ito Aoyama Gakuin University/MA Int'l Politics and Economics 2004 Eri Sakaki International Christian University International Politics 2005 Makoto Ogoda Keio University/LL.M. Judicial Affairs 2005 Morimitsu Urano University of Tokyo/Ph.D. Applied Chemistry 2006 Miyuki Shirai University of Tsukuba/MA Disability Sciences 2007 Rie Yasuhara International Christian University Western History 2007 Kozue Handa University of Tsukuba/Ph.D. Art & Design 2007 Akiko Tabuchi Kwassui Women's University Musicology 2008 Yuko Abe Japan Lutheran College Social Welfare 2008 Tomomi Ishiura Keisen University English Communication 2009 Risa Nara University of Tsukuba/MA Special Support Education 2009 Takanori Sato Osaka University/Ph.D. Human Science 2010 Daisuke Aiba University of Tsukuba/Ph.D. Disability Science 2010 Yuri Tanaka Kansai University /Ph.D. Psychology 2011 Kentaro Fukuchi (SA)* University of Sussex/MA Int'l Education and Development 2011 Masamitsu Misono Tokyo Women's Christian Univ./Ph.D. Humanities and Sciences 2012 Ayumi Oyama University of Tsukuba/MA Special Support Education 2012 Shingo Morii University of Toyama/Ph.D. Biological Information System 2013 Hiroki Hatano Chuo University Law 2013 Haruo Kamijo University of Toyama/MS Advanced Nanosciences and Biosciences 2014 Shotaro Iwata Osaka University Chemistry 2014 Masaya Nakamura Ritsumeikan University/Ph.D. Educational Sociology 2015 Masayuki Izumi Tohoku University/Ph.D. Oral Physiology 2015 Makoto Tokumitsu Taisho University Social Welfare 2016 Rena Saito Toho Gakuen School of Music Piano 2016 Yuji Yoshida Tohoku University Medicine 2017 Ririna Kaneko Sophia University Political Science 2017 Yudai Mori Niigata University Business Administration 2018 Marina Amimoto Rikkyo University Community Services 2018 Kaiki Itono International Christian University/MA Education and Psychology 2019 Kotono Matsuoka Meiji Gakuin University Special Needs Program 2019 Shun Yanashima Tokyo Metropolitan University/MS Mathematical Sciences 2020 Yuuki Sugiura Kinjo Gakuin University Children's Education 2020 Masahiro Fujimoto Rikkyo University English and American Literature 2021 Rika Sugata University of Tokyo Education 2021 Shoto Yamada Doshisha University Law 2023 Haruto Kanazawa Keio University Policy Management 2023 Momoi Kikuchi Tohoku University Law 2024 Hayato Kishira University of Tsukuba/Ph.D. Disability Sciences 2024 Haruna Tamaoki International Christian University Environmental Studies 2025 Tomoyuki Umeyama Institute of Science Tokyo/MSc. Chemistry 2025 Miu Kitana Hiroshima University/MEd. Humanities and Social Sciences # [Editorial Team] HAMANO Sachiko, IHARA Mayumi, ISHII Fumiko, MOSKOWITZ Yoko, NAGAOKA Shigeko, NAKASE Eri, OKA Mari, YANAGITA Masako [Cover Design] FURUTA Eiko [Digital Support] FUJII Amy [Supporters] CARON Inna, CHINEN Joanna, HIKOSAKA Mieko, IWANAGA Carol, OSHIMA Reiko, SHIMURA Yuko, SWEETNAM ZUKOSKI Heidi, TSURUMAKI Nancy [Publisher] Ippan Shadan Hojin CWAJ [Publication Date] October 31, 2025