What is "SECTIO" by Taimon Kawazoe, Designed for Those Who Love Fashion?

*Information was verified on February 20, 2026, and some parts have been updated with the latest information. Currently, the business activities of "SECTIO" are on hold. We will proceed with updating the information as soon as operations resume.

Have you heard of a fashion brand designed by people with disabilities and physical therapists who are experts in the body?

Due to disabilities, some people can't wear the clothes they want. They think they can't be fashionable.

"SECTIO" offers fashion that solves these issues for people with disabilities while also being appealing to those without disabilities.

This time, we interviewed Taimon Kawazoe, the representative of SECTIO.

Mr. Kawazoe, while working as a physical therapist and conducting rehabilitation for many clients, founded SECTIO and will hold the first exhibition in December.

Why did he, a physical therapist, focus on fashion? We asked about Mr. Kawazoe's origins and SECTIO's aim for a barrier-free society.

1. Who is Fashion Therapist Taimon Kawazoe?

1-1. Past and Present

[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Taimon Kawazoe]

Akaishi: What inspired you to become a physical therapist?

Mr. Kawazoe: Actually, my father is also a physical therapist.

Having a physical therapist close to me from a young age naturally led me to follow the same path as my father.

Another reason is that I thought I could directly help people. Among various jobs, being a physical therapist is one of the few where you can directly interact with clients.

I wanted to do work that benefits people, so I became interested in being a physical therapist, where I could see clients' reactions firsthand.

Currently, I work at a day service, interacting with clients daily while also handling management tasks as an administrator.

Akaishi: Why did you shift your focus from the medical industry to the fashion industry?

Mr. Kawazoe: I've always loved fashion.

While studying physical therapy in college, I was featured as a model in a famous fashion magazine and considered pursuing a career in the apparel industry.

Then, I met a boy with a prosthetic leg, which became the catalyst for my current activities.

Through conversations with him, I first realized the clothing issues faced by those with disabilities.

By solving his problems, I could utilize my physical therapy qualifications while engaging in the apparel industry I love.

At that moment, I felt I had a clear vision of what I needed to do.

Back then, I was eager to bring my ideas to life as soon as possible.

1-2. The Origins of the SECTIO Brand

Akaishi: When did you seriously start making clothes?

Mr. Kawazoe: I tried it once during my first year as a working adult.

Right after starting my job, I contacted people with disabilities and those engaged in similar activities via social media, conducted street surveys, and reached out to many people.

Then, with the support of like-minded volunteers, we decided to try making clothes.

However, it didn't go well.

At that time, I had no experience or knowledge of starting a business, couldn't secure funds for making clothes, and eventually, the effort was disbanded.

Akaishi: So, how did the current SECTIO come to be?

Mr. Kawazoe: Next, I directly negotiated with the president of the company I was working for.

The company's concept values not only the self-realization of clients but also of the staff, so I presented my vision and aspirations to the president.

They appreciated my desire to "solve the clothing issues of people with disabilities," and with company support and a budget, I was finally able to start making clothes.

In my third year as a working adult, I participated in "LittlePhysio," a competition for physical therapists to pursue their dreams, and won the grand prize among national challengers.

After that, I moved away from the company-supported project and ventured independently, launching the fashion brand "SECTIO," a dream I've had since college, thanks to the support from those who backed my crowdfunding campaign.

Reference: Crowdfunding

2. What Kind of Brand is SECTIO?

SECTIO is a fashion brand that embraces inclusive design with the vision of "a world where everyone can naturally enjoy fashion."

We design clothes that anyone can wear, regardless of disability, and aim to be a fashion brand that leaves no one behind by involving stakeholders in the design and production process, in collaboration with employment support.

Clothing issues aren't limited to the moments of putting on and taking off.

SECTIO leverages Mr. Kawazoe's perspective as a physical therapist to realize designs that consider daily life.

Akaishi: What is the meaning behind the name SECTIO?

Mr. Kawazoe: SECTIO means division or cutting in Latin.

Even if you want to enjoy fashion, you can't. I feel there's a division in today's society.

SECTIO was born from meeting a boy with a prosthetic leg.

The division I feel in society and the boy who had his leg amputated.

The brand name is something I see every day. I named it SECTIO to never forget the origin of our activities.

3. Delving into the Appeal of SECTIO's Products

3-1. SECTIO's Unique Inclusive Design

Akaishi: How do people with disabilities participate in the design stage specifically?

Mr. Kawazoe: At SECTIO, we limit the focus to one individual when considering designs.

Even if we group people as "disabled," each person's physical condition is different, so the more opinions we incorporate, the more scattered the target becomes.

The inclusive design I can currently offer is to face someone with a strong interest in fashion, delve deeply into their issues, and explore solutions.

We identify clothing challenges, I propose functional aspects, and the designer suggests design elements. By repeatedly aligning these, I believe we achieve the inclusive design I can offer.

Akaishi: How does employment support play a role in the production stage?

Mr. Kawazoe: Initially, we planned to establish a continuous employment support facility for production.

However, witnessing the complexity and labor intensity of clothing production, I judged that involving stakeholders in production at this stage posed high risks.

We need to first focus seriously on design and establish the brand; otherwise, both the production process and products will end up being half-hearted.

When I visited a continuous employment support facility engaged in manufacturing during my college years, I saw how genuinely happy the users were while working.

As a physical therapist, I have a strong desire to contribute to expanding job opportunities for people with disabilities, so ultimately, I plan to involve stakeholders in every aspect from design to production.

3-2. Designs and Functionality Infused with Taimon Kawazoe's Philosophy

Akaishi: What do you prioritize most in your designs?

Mr. Kawazoe: I strongly focus on functionality.

Working as a physical therapist on the ground allows me to propose functional aspects that consider lifestyle, such as during toileting or transfers, which I see as my strength.

However, the most important thing is whether I personally would want to buy the design.

Previously, a stakeholder mentioned, "Clothes for people with disabilities often lack design appeal."

No matter how good the functionality is, if the design lacks appeal, people won't want to buy it, and SECTIO's vision of naturally enjoying fashion can't be achieved.

By adding functionality to designs comparable to existing clothing, I believe it truly enhances quality of life.

3-3. A Commitment to Considering the Expressions and Emotions of Those Who Wear SECTIO

Akaishi: SECTIO is promoted as a "fashion brand that leaves no one behind." What led you to this perspective?

Mr. Kawazoe: It's more for myself than for others.

I love dressing fashionably and am involved in fashion now.

However, you never know what might happen. There's a possibility of becoming wheelchair-bound due to an accident or illness.

If that happens and I can't wear the clothes I want or be fashionable, a significant joy in my life would be lost.

Thinking about it, I don't want anyone to experience the pain of not being able to be fashionable, so I decided to seriously engage and strive to leave no one behind.

Akaishi: You are hosting your first exhibition in Nagoya City on December 2nd and 3rd. What message do you want to convey to attendees?

Mr. Kawazoe: At the exhibition, we plan to display an inclusive design dress, wheelchair spoke covers, T-shirts, and caps, along with showcasing future service developments and past materials. We also have a space for attendees to connect with each other.

Some stakeholders might unconsciously give up on being fashionable. I want to tell them, "Don't give up on fashion because I'm here."

Also, I'm grateful that some people are coming to see me. What I can convey is the importance of pursuing dreams, regardless of disability, so I'll display the stories of my challenges at the venue.

There's no limit on attendees, so I hope as many people as possible will witness SECTIO's new beginning.

For more about the exhibition, click here

4. Future Brand Development of SECTIO

Akaishi: What are SECTIO's future plans?

Mr. Kawazoe: First, I want as many people as possible to experience inclusive design clothing, so I'm considering launching a rental service.

The dress currently completed is a casual dress suitable for special occasions like weddings, funerals, and coming-of-age ceremonies.

We've put a lot of thought into the fabric and design, making it a high-end piece, so I hope people will feel free to experience it first.

We also plan to start accepting semi-custom orders.

We're considering a service where you can create a dress using your preferred fabric in a size that fits you.

5. What Future Does Taimon Kawazoe Envision Through SECTIO?

Akaishi: Can you tell us about the inclusive society you envision?

Mr. Kawazoe: I'm still exploring this every day, but rather than just mutual recognition, I think it's about each person being able to naturally achieve self-realization in their own way.

If someone in a wheelchair struggles with a step, someone who notices helps lift them, or if someone with paralysis has clothing issues, they can turn to SECTIO. I believe an inclusive society is one where people can naturally take action in various situations.

Akaishi: What kind of future do you aim for with SECTIO?

Mr. Kawazoe: First, I aim to establish the brand and hold a fashion show in five years as one of our goals.

Additionally, I would be thrilled if SECTIO could be involved in the Paralympics, which draws global attention, to raise awareness even among those not interested in fashion.

Ultimately, I hope SECTIO becomes unnecessary in society.

SECTIO will disappear when a society is realized where everyone can naturally enjoy fashion.

To make SECTIO obsolete, we will continue to introduce inclusive design clothing to the world.

6. In Conclusion

SECTIO is an inclusive design fashion brand that anyone can wear, regardless of disability.

Mr. Kawazoe describes himself as having a weak will. That's why, by involving many people, SECTIO, which started from his aspirations, is now supported by many and has become a mandatory activity.

When challenging becomes the norm, it's also the moment you find the activity you should dedicate your life to.

Mr. Kawazoe is actively sharing on Instagram, so please check it out.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taito___0426/

Additionally, we have interviewed Mr. Tsuruta, the representative of tenbo, who is gaining worldwide attention for disability fashion.

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