I Want to Inspire Many People Through Expression: Model with Disabilities, Shuyu Maruhashi

※Information was verified on February 27, 2026, and some parts have been updated with the latest information.

Are you aware of the existence of disabled models?

This time, we had the opportunity to interview Shu Maruhashi, a disabled model affiliated with Accessibeauty Management.

Maruhashi first encountered expressive activities in junior high school. He was captivated by dance, which moves the heart using the whole body, and aimed to become someone who could inspire others through dance.

However, a sudden accident resulted in a cervical spinal cord injury, forcing him to live in a wheelchair.

He could no longer dance, which he loved, and faced days of rehabilitation.

How did Maruhashi become a disabled model? In the interview, we delved into his roots and discussed his aspirations for expression as a model.

1. What kind of company is Accessibeauty Inc.?

Accessibeauty Inc. is committed to creating a society where "disability x beauty is the norm." They offer specialized talent management for people with disabilities (Accessibeauty Management), as well as talent schools and a web magazine on Instagram called “porte.”

Accessibeauty Management has about 25 disabled models and talents of various ages. Each one is a person with a disability but also an active performer.

They also hold auditions every year to recruit new models. The application requirement is to have originality in mind and body.

Maruhashi was one of those who passed the audition. Joining Accessibeauty Management became an opportunity for him to grow both as a model and as a person.

If you're interested, please check the link below.

Now, let's look back at Maruhashi's life.

Reference: Accessibeauty Inc.

2. Who is Maruhashi?

2-1. Waking up to find my body couldn't move

[Interviewer (Writer): Akaishi / Interviewee: Maruhashi]

Akaishi: Can you tell us about the time you got injured?

Maruhashi: It was a collision accident between a motorcycle and a car.

Actually, I have no memory right before the accident. What I remember is touring on my motorcycle, heading to my destination, and then suddenly finding myself in a hospital bed.

When I woke up, not only could I not move my body, but I couldn't even speak due to the respirator. I used a letter board to ask my mother, who was beside me, "What happened?" and that's how I learned about the incident.

Akaishi: How did you feel when you found out it was a cervical spinal cord injury?

Maruhashi: Later, the doctor told me it was a cervical spinal cord injury, but since I didn't know what that was, I initially took it lightly, thinking my athletic ability would somehow get me through.

However, the more I did rehabilitation, the more I realized it wouldn't heal. Even actions that were easy before the injury became impossible despite repeated rehabilitation, and that's when I truly understood what a cervical spinal cord injury meant.

It was frustrating not being able to move my body as I wanted.

2-2. What supported Maruhashi emotionally

Akaishi: You spent three years in rehabilitation. Was there anything that supported you emotionally during that time?

Maruhashi: The biggest support was my parents.

They frequently visited me right after the accident, and they were so happy when I talked about my rehabilitation progress, which motivated me to keep going no matter how hard it was.

My father immediately bought a welfare vehicle when he learned about my cervical spinal cord injury. So even during the long hospital stay, I was able to go out into the world, which helped me not to feel isolated and allowed me to look forward.

I am truly grateful to my parents.

Additionally, my experience at a facility for people with cervical spinal cord injuries also supported me.

Even among those with cervical spinal cord injuries, the range of paralysis varies depending on the injury site. Some people at the facility were more severely affected than I was, but seeing them work hard at rehabilitation inspired me to do my best too.

Akaishi: When you finished your rehabilitation and ventured out into the world, did you notice any differences from before?

Maruhashi: Yes, I did.

Before the injury, I often heard the term "barrier-free," so I thought the world would be easy to live in even with a wheelchair.

But when I actually went out in a wheelchair, I found that the slope angles and sliding doors in stores made it clear that society wasn't as accessible as I thought.

And I felt that many barrier-free designs assume the presence of a caregiver.

Before living in a wheelchair, I never viewed the world from this perspective.

2-3. What prompted Maruhashi to apply to Accessibeauty Management

Akaishi: What prompted you to apply to Accessibeauty Management?

Maruhashi: I had gotten used to living alone and was looking for a job, but I didn't have any special skills, so I was unsure about what kind of work to pursue.

At that time, a visiting rehabilitation therapist asked me, "Why do you work so hard at rehabilitation, Maruhashi?" Looking back, there were several occasions when nurses told me they were encouraged by seeing me work hard during my hospital stay.

I strongly felt that I wanted to do work that could inspire others. I started to think that if people could see me taking on challenges, it might inspire them.

While researching how to do this, I came across past auditions for Accessibeauty Management. Seeing someone with the same cervical spinal cord injury participating, I thought, "This is it."

"I hope they hold auditions again this year," I thought.

Two months later, an audition announcement was made, and I applied with that momentum.

After a document screening, a Zoom interview, and finally an in-person interview, I received a notification of acceptance. I was thrilled but also felt the responsibility of pursuing a career as a model.

Akaishi: What do you find rewarding about your work as a model?

Maruhashi: Receiving messages on Instagram is definitely rewarding.

Some people have been inspired to become disabled models after seeing my activities, and I find it fulfilling to know that I can inspire others through my work as a model.

Although I'm just starting out, I think that by appearing more in the media, there will be more opportunities for people to feel encouraged.

3. The aspirations Maruhashi wants to express as a model

Akaishi: How do you think the presence of disabled models impacts society?

Maruhashi: I think it's hard to understand disabilities without having contact with disabled people, including those with cervical spinal cord injuries.

Recently, it seems more common for disabled people to appear on TV or in magazines, and I feel that the existence of disabled models has contributed a bit to this change in times.

Disabled models provide opportunities to learn about disabilities.

Akaishi: Is there anything you value as a model?

Maruhashi: A person's character and mental state are reflected in their expressions.

I originally struggled with self-confidence. So, I focus on working hard until I can be confident. I don't just work hard; I constantly think about how I can gain confidence while doing so.

And most importantly, manners.

Saying thank you and sorry, and the attitude when interacting with people, reflect one's character, so I focus on refining my inner self to consistently show good expressions as a model.

Akaishi: What does Accessibeauty Management mean to you?

Maruhashi: I think it's an entity that provides opportunities.

What they provide is merely opportunities.

In the modeling profession, you have to promote yourself, be seen by various people, and get work, so how much effort you put in is most important.

Accessibeauty Management will assign work based on your effort and ability. Just waiting won't bring work; they provide the opportunity for me to succeed as a model.

4. A message to the readers