[Aiming for a Society Where Everyone Can Shine Through eSports] An Interview with ePARA Inc. CEO Kato!

What does gaming mean to you?

Some might see games as mere entertainment. However, there are companies that take this playful spirit seriously.

This time, we had the opportunity to interview Mr. Daiki Kato, the CEO of ePARA Corporation.

Originally working as a court clerk for the national government, Mr. Kato found a connection with people with disabilities through a certain encounter and realized the potential and allure of gaming.

He shared with us his journey so far and the world he aims to create through eSports.

*Information confirmed and partially updated as of March 13, 2026.

1. What is ePARA Corporation?

ePARA Corporation operates under the philosophy of "Play seriously, change tomorrow," supporting the social participation of people with disabilities through eSports.

One of their initiatives is hosting eSports events. They organize and manage these events with creative rules and devices to ensure that people with disabilities can enjoy gaming just like everyone else.

They are also actively involved in employing people with disabilities. They have hired employees who are completely blind and those with muscular dystrophy, who are thriving in remote work environments.

1-1. "Barrier-Free eSports Tournament" that leverages the strengths of people with disabilities

[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Mr. Kato]

Akaishi: I understand that various people with disabilities participate in your eSports tournaments. Are there any specific considerations you make?

Mr. Kato: We focus a lot on device customization.

For example, an employee with muscular dystrophy has created a custom controller that they operate with their chin.

We work with physical therapists and occupational therapists to figure out how each person can play games.

While some issues can be resolved with hardware solutions, there are software challenges, like games not being compatible with screen reading software for visually impaired players.

In such cases, we assist by providing guidance through audio cues.

Akaishi: What do you prioritize when hosting eSports tournaments?

Mr. Kato: We prioritize discussing ways to ensure everyone can enjoy communicating.

The necessary services and support vary for each individual.

Instead of making assumptions, it's crucial to ask people with disabilities what kind of support they need.

1-2. Tackling employment challenges for people with disabilities through eSports

Akaishi: How does your employment support program help individuals aim for employment?

Mr. Kato: We are not an educational institution, so instead of directly teaching specialized knowledge, we focus on making the skills that users inherently possess visible through practical work.

For instance, if someone is good at writing, they can write articles for an owned media outlet related to eSports, thereby enhancing their portfolio.

We visualize the work users do at "ePARA" and their previous jobs as data, matching them with companies looking for such talent.

So far, most job placements have been in the IT industry, which often adopts telework.

Akaishi: How can one apply for employment support?

Mr. Kato: Applications are accepted through the inquiry form on our website.

We start with an interview to understand what kind of company they want to work for and what skills they want to utilize, and then propose steps toward employment that suit them.

Akaishi: What do you emphasize during interviews?

Mr. Kato: Our current employment support focuses on creating environments where people who have skills and goals but don't know how to leverage them can shine.

Therefore, during interviews, we make sure to explain that we are not a welfare service.

Reference: News Site｜ePARA Corporation

1-3. What is the "Brain-Tech Device" that visualizes emotions of people with disabilities?

Akaishi: Please tell us about the brain-tech device being developed in collaboration with a university research institution.

Mr. Kato: The brain-tech device is a tool that facilitates communication by visualizing the emotions of the wearer through a device that reads brainwaves from the head.

In the current project, stroke patients use the brain-tech device for rehabilitation to improve their functions.

We believe it plays a significant role not only in motor functions but also in communication.

For example, for people with autism who find communication challenging, there is the issue of how they will make decisions after their parents pass away. Observing stress levels in brainwaves and confirming their intentions using the device could help solve such problems.

We are researching the impact of games on people in this context. We are investigating whether games have a relaxing effect or enhance concentration, and we are actively developing in this area.

The potential of brain-tech devices is growing day by day.

2. Who is Daiki Kato, the CEO?

Mr. Kato originally aspired to become a lawyer.

The bar exam can only be taken within five years of graduating from law school or passing the preliminary exam. After several attempts, five years passed, and Mr. Kato found himself at 29.

While those around him were thriving as professionals, Mr. Kato, faced with starting over, decided to take the court staff exam and began working at the forefront of the legal field.

Why did Mr. Kato, who had no prior involvement with people with disabilities, become interested in eSports?

2-1. From National Public Servant to the World of Welfare

Akaishi: Why did you decide to leave your position as a court clerk?

Mr. Kato: It started when my grandmother developed alcohol dependency and dementia.

She found it difficult to access the adult guardianship system, and I realized that even if a system exists, it's useless if people aren't aware of it.

Japan is entering a super-aged society, and the adult guardianship system, which assists those who are uneasy about making decisions on their own