#Japan #Koshigaya #Sakura Wind #Satoshi Fukushima #Deafblind Awareness

Event Overview

On November 3, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, join the Tokyo Deafblind Community Association and Bunkyo University for a significant event highlighting the experiences of the deafblind. This event features a screening of the film "Sakura Wind" followed by a lecture from Satoshi Fukushima, who is not only the model for the film but also a prominent advocate for the deafblind community. The event will take place at Bunkyo University's Koshigaya campus in Sugito, Saitama Prefecture.

The Film: 'Sakura Wind'

The film "Sakura Wind" tells the inspiring story of Satoshi Fukushima, who lost his sight at the age of nine and hearing at eighteen. Together with his mother, they developed a unique communication method known as "pointing finger braille," which has allowed Satoshi to reconnect with the world around him. The film emphasizes the power of language, the importance of human connection, and reassesses what it means to learn and communicate. Directed by Junpei Matsumoto, it features performances by Koyuki and Eito Tanaka. The movie is 113 minutes long and has been rated PG-12. It includes a variety of accessibility features such as barrier-free subtitles and audio guidance.

Event Schedule

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Screening of "Sakura Wind"
3:10 PM - 4:00 PM: Lecture and Q&A with Satoshi Fukushima
(Features text translation for the lecture)

Participation Information

This event is free of charge, and all interested individuals are welcome, including students, educators, and the general public. Information accessibility services are also available, so please notify us if you need specific accommodations. The room capacity is limited to 100 people, and registration is necessary via the provided Google form. Once capacity is reached, registration will close. However, we may accept on-site registration if space permits.

Recommended Attendees

• - Students and faculty from education, welfare, psychology, media studies, and design fields
• - Individuals interested in diversity, accessibility, and communication methods
• - Those involved in parenting, caregiving, community activities, or volunteering
• - Aspiring interpreters or assistants for the deafblind
• - HR and DEI professionals from various companies
• - Anyone looking to gain new perspectives through this film and lecture

About the Speaker: Satoshi Fukushima

Satoshi Fukushima is a special appointment professor at the University of Tokyo's Advanced Molecular Research Center. He serves on the board of the Japan National Deafblind Association. Despite his disabilities, he has dedicated his life to raising awareness and understanding of the deafblind community. His books, including "Living as a Deafblind Person" and "My Life is with Words," further highlight his insights and experiences.

Additional Information

For inquiries about participation and information services, please contact the Bunkyo University Education Department Special Support Education Team through email at [email protected]. For more details about the funding project or deafblind issues, reach out to the Tokyo Deafblind Community Association at 03-6228-1282 or via email at [email protected].

This event is part of the 2024 Social Welfare Promotion Project funded by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (WAM), aimed at fostering understanding and awareness of the deafblind community among younger generations.