Through "Expression," Inspire as Many People as Possible: A Closer Look at Disabled Model Shuyu Maruhashi!

*Information confirmed and partially updated as of February 27, 2026.

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 middle 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.

Unable to dance, which he loved, he faced days of rehabilitation.

How did Maruhashi become a disabled model? In our 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. upholds the philosophy of "Creating a society where disability and beauty are the norm." They offer specialized talent management for people with disabilities (Accessibeauty Management), run a talent school, and publish a web magazine "porte" on Instagram.

Accessibeauty Management has about 25 disabled models and talents of various ages. Each person is both a person with a disability and an expressive artist.

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

Maruhashi was one of those who passed the audition. He says joining Accessibeauty Management was a turning point for his growth 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 Shu Maruhashi?

2-1. Waking up to a body that wouldn't move

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

Akaishi: Can you tell us about the time of your injury?

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

Actually, I have no memory of the moments leading up to the accident. The last thing I remember is touring on my motorcycle, heading towards 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 also couldn't speak due to the ventilator. I used a letter board to ask my mother, who was beside me, "What happened?" and that's how I first learned about the incident.

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

Maruhashi: The doctor informed me later that it was a cervical spinal cord injury, but since I didn't know what that was, I initially thought that with my athletic ability, I'd somehow manage.

However, the more I did rehabilitation, the more I realized it wasn't going to heal. Even movements that were easy before the injury were impossible despite repeated rehab, and that's when I truly understood the nature of my injury.

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

2-2. What supported Maruhashi's heart

Akaishi: You spent three years in rehabilitation. What supported you during that time?

Maruhashi: The biggest support was my parents.

They frequently visited me right after the accident, and when I shared my rehab progress, they were so happy, which motivated me to keep going no matter how tough it got.

My father bought a welfare vehicle immediately after learning about my spinal cord injury. So even during the long hospital stay, I was able to go out into the world, which prevented me from feeling isolated and helped me look forward.

I'm truly grateful to my parents.

Additionally, my experience at a facility for people with spinal cord injuries was also a support.

Even within the category of spinal cord injury, the range of paralysis varies depending on the injury site. There were people in the facility with more severe conditions than mine, but seeing them work hard in rehab inspired me to do the same.

Akaishi: Did you notice any differences when you ventured into the outside world after your rehab life?

Maruhashi: Yes, I did.

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

However, when I actually went out in a wheelchair, I realized that things like the slope angles and sliding doors in shops made it clear that society wasn't as accessible as I had thought.

Moreover, I felt that many barrier-free facilities were designed with the assumption that there would be a caregiver present.

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 since I didn't have any special skills, I was unsure about what kind of work to pursue.

During that time, a visiting rehab instructor asked me, "Why do you work so hard on your rehab, Maruhashi?" Looking back, there were times when nurses told me that seeing my efforts gave them courage.

I strongly felt that I wanted to do a job that could inspire others. I began to think that if people saw me taking on challenges, it could inspire them.

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

"I hope they hold auditions this year too."

Two months later, when the audition announcement came, I applied with that momentum.

After passing the document screening, a Zoom interview, and finally an in-person interview, I was thrilled to receive the acceptance notice, but I also felt the responsibility of making modeling my profession.

Akaishi: What do you find rewarding about your modeling work?

Maruhashi: Receiving messages on Instagram is really gratifying.

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

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

3. Aspirations for expression as a model

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

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

Recently, it feels like it's becoming more common for disabled people to appear on TV or in magazines, and I think the existence of disabled models has contributed a bit to this change in the times.

Disabled models provide opportunities to learn about disabilities.

Akaishi: Is there anything you hold dear as a model?

Maruhashi: Human nature and mental state are reflected in one's expressions.

I originally struggled with self-confidence. That's why I focus on working hard until I can be confident. It's not just about working hard, but always thinking about how I can gain confidence while doing so.

And most importantly, manners.

Saying thank you and sorry, of course, but also the attitude when interacting with others reflects one's humanity, so I focus on refining my inner self to always show good expressions as a model.

Akaishi: What does Accessibeauty Management mean to you?

Maruhashi: I think it is an entity that provides opportunities.

What they provide is just the opportunity.

The work of a model involves self-promotion, being seen by various people, and getting jobs, so how much effort you put in is most important.

Accessibeauty Management sees that effort and ability and then assigns work. Just waiting won't bring work, so they are an entity that provides me with the opportunity to succeed as a model.

4. Message to the readers

Akaishi: Lastly, could you share a message with the readers?

Maruhashi: I've lived a life where I lacked confidence and hesitated to take the first step, so I understand the feelings of those who are hesitant to take on challenges.

While taking on challenges is indeed important, first, try to like yourself. I'm sure there are moments when you feel you're shining the brightest.

For me, it was dance. After my injury, I thought I had lost the place where I could shine, but since I loved expressing myself, I chose modeling.

Once you know when you shine the most, it becomes easier to take on challenges, so I hope you become your own best supporter first.

5. In conclusion

During the interview, I found Maruhashi to be bright and positive.