*Information confirmed and partially updated as of February 20, 2026.
With the unique concept of a "Seated Standing Bar," Miho Makino has created a space where everyone, regardless of disability, can enjoy from the same perspective. Having experienced life in a wheelchair after developing transverse myelitis at the age of five, she continues to pursue the possibilities that arise from changing the 'norm' just a little.
This time, we spoke with her about her experiences from her student days to the present and her thoughts on the "Seated Standing Bar," which has been gaining attention nationwide.
1. Who is Miho Makino?
1-1. The Onset of Illness and Realizations During School Days
[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Miho Makino]
Akaishi: Could you tell us what triggered your transverse myelitis?
Makino: It was triggered by a fall at the entrance of my home when I was five. Although the symptoms are similar to spinal cord injury, it is said that a virus already present in my body might have been activated by the fall. Even after several months of hospitalization for tests, the exact cause was not identified.
Akaishi: Do you remember anything from the time of onset?
Makino: I have no memory of that time. I learned about my early childhood through photos and family stories. However, it was the support from those around me that allowed me to stay positive.
Akaishi: Could you share some memories from your school life?
Makino: Attending a regular school, I discovered many things. During elementary school, I felt sorry for things I couldn't do in a wheelchair, but I spent time with friends who helped me find ways to manage.
For instance, during physical education classes, we would brainstorm together to find ways I could participate. The teachers were also flexible, and it turned out to be a fun experience.
As I progressed through middle and high school, I was able to accept life in a wheelchair as part of my identity. With the understanding of those around me, I was able to live as a regular student without being singled out for my disability.
1-2. Realizing My True Path After 10 Years in the Workforce
Akaishi: Could you tell us about your experiences after entering the workforce?
Makino: I initially worked in general office administration. During my 10 years in office work, I enjoyed a lifestyle where I could completely separate my private life from work, with weekends off and finishing on time.
While the work itself was fulfilling, I began to think about my potential as I approached my 30s.
Akaishi: What realizations did you come to?
Makino: I started questioning whether a full-time, 40-hour office job was truly the best fit for me. Although I was initially satisfied with my work style, I began to feel that there might be something more I could do, particularly utilizing my experiences in a wheelchair.
2. The Story Behind the "Seated Standing Bar"
Akaishi: What inspired you to start the Seated Standing Bar?
Makino: Meeting the venue owner was a significant turning point.
When I visited standing bars, I noticed things like table height and differences in eye level that wouldn't usually bother me, but did because I was in a wheelchair. It all started from a casual conversation about how "it would be interesting to have a place where everyone could enjoy from the same perspective."
Initially, it was just a spontaneous idea, but the owner offered the space, saying, "Let's give it a try," and it became a reality.
Akaishi: How did it go when you actually held the event?
Makino: The response was beyond what I imagined.
One particularly memorable comment from a customer was, "I spent two hours sitting at the same eye level, and when I finally stood up, it felt strange." Things we take for granted can become new realizations with a slight change in environment.
I felt like we were creating a space for such experiences.
Akaishi: You started in a French restaurant in Osaka, and now it's held outside of Osaka as well.
Makino: Yes, we've been able to hold events in places like Okinawa and Hokkaido. We've received feedback from each region saying, "We've been wanting a place like this," and we're aiming for more than five events next year.
It's important to us that the staff making drinks are also wheelchair users. It provides an opportunity for people to see firsthand that wheelchair users can work in the service industry. We hope this awareness will lead to more flexible working opportunities for people with various disabilities.
3. The Challenge of Creating Spaces That Expand Possibilities
Akaishi: What have you observed through these events?
Makino: I've realized the importance of helping people understand the discomforts and disabilities we face through experience.
For instance, even people with developmental disabilities can change how they communicate when the environment changes. I began to think that a place where everyone can feel comfortable can be achieved with a little ingenuity and a change in perspective.
Akaishi: Could you tell us about your future plans?
Makino: By holding the Seated Standing Bar nationwide, I want to create more opportunities to meet people.
However, there are challenges in preparing for each region's unique characteristics and arranging wheelchairs. But the sense of fulfillment is great, and new connections are being made in each area.
Ultimately, I aim to hold events in all 47 prefectures!
By doing so, I hope to convey to restaurant owners the possibility that "people in wheelchairs can work."
