"Creating a Space Where Everyone Can Enjoy Equally: Miho Makino's New Challenge Inspired by Her Experience with Life in a Wheelchair"

*Information confirmed and partially updated as of February 20, 2026.

With the unique concept of a "Non-Standing Standing Bar," Miho Makino is creating a space where everyone can enjoy from the same perspective, regardless of disabilities. Having experienced life in a wheelchair after developing transverse myelitis at the age of five, she continues to pursue the possibilities that arise from slightly changing the 'norm'.

This time, we spoke with her about her experiences from her student days to the present and her thoughts on the "Non-Standing Standing Bar," which is gaining attention nationwide.

1. Who is Miho Makino?

1-1. Onset of Illness and Realizations During Student Days

[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Miho Makino]

Akaishi: Could you tell us what triggered the onset of your transverse myelitis?

Makino: It was triggered when I fell at the entrance of my house at the age of five. The symptoms are similar to spinal cord injury, but it is said that a virus already present in my body may have been activated by the fall. Even after several months of testing and hospitalization, the exact cause could not be determined.

Akaishi: Do you remember anything from the time of the onset?

Makino: I have no memory of that time at all. I learned about my early childhood through photos and family stories. However, it was the support of those around me that allowed me to stay positive.

Akaishi: Could you share some memories from your school life?

Makino: Attending a regular school brought many discoveries. During my elementary school years, I felt sorry for the things I couldn't do in a wheelchair, but I spent time with friends who helped me find ways to manage.

For example, in physical education classes, we all brainstormed together to find ways I could participate. The teachers were also flexible, and these experiences remain as enjoyable memories.

As I progressed through middle and high school, I was able to accept living in a wheelchair as part of my identity. With the understanding of those around me, I was able to live as just another student without being seen as special because of my disability.

1-2. Realizing My Own Way of Living After 10 Years of Working Life

Akaishi: Could you tell us about your experiences after entering the workforce?

Makino: Initially, I 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 very fulfilling, I began to think about my potential after turning 30.

Akaishi: What realizations did you have?

Makino: I started to question whether a full-time, 40-hour-a-week office job was truly the best fit for me. Although I was initially satisfied with my working style, I began to think that there might be something I could do that would make use of my experiences in a wheelchair.

2. The Story Behind the Birth of the "Non-Standing Standing Bar"

Akaishi: What inspired you to start the standing bar?

Makino: Meeting the venue owner was a major turning point.

When I go to standing bars, things like table height and differences in eye level become noticeable issues for me 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 eye level."

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 was it when you actually held the event?

Makino: The response was beyond my expectations.

One particularly memorable comment from a customer was, "I spent two hours sitting and enjoying from the same eye level, and when I finally stood up, it felt strange." Something that seemed normal can become a new realization with a slight change in environment.

I felt that I was able to create a space for such experiences.

Akaishi: You started at a French restaurant in Osaka, and now it’s being held outside of Osaka as well.

Makino: Yes. We have been holding events in various places across the country, such as Okinawa and Hokkaido. We receive feedback from each region saying, "We wanted a place like this," and we aim to hold more than five events next year.

What we value is having the staff who make the drinks also be wheelchair users. It provides a real opportunity for people to see that wheelchair users can work in customer service. I hope this realization will lead to more flexible thinking about how people with various disabilities can work.

3. The Challenge of Creating Spaces That Expand Possibilities

Akaishi: What have you discovered through these events?

Makino: I have realized the importance of helping people understand the discomforts and disabilities I experience through these events.

For instance, even people with developmental disabilities can change their communication style when the environment changes. I have come to believe that a place where everyone can feel comfortable can be achieved with some ingenuity and a change in perspective.

Akaishi: Could you tell us about your future plans?

Makino: By holding the Non-Standing Standing Bar nationwide, I want to create more opportunities to meet new people.

However, preparing for each event, considering regional characteristics and arranging wheelchairs, can be challenging. But the sense of achievement is great, and new connections are being made in each region.

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."

4. A Message to Those Who Want to Take on New Challenges

Akaishi: Finally, could you share a message for those who are hesitant to take the first step?