【Accessible Skies】Introducing Paragliding for Wheelchair Users!

Faced with many things he had to give up due to his disability, Kato began his activities with the desire to create opportunities to change such environments. Having watched people enjoy paragliding at the local Nanyo Sky Park since childhood, Kato thought, "How wonderful it would be if people with disabilities could fly freely in the sky just like able-bodied individuals." This led him to consult with Principal Kanai of the Soaring System, which operates a paragliding school locally.

As Japan's first barrier-free sky area, the initiative started with the cooperation of Kanai, local government, and community members. It contributes to tourism by highlighting the charm of Yamagata and invigorating the region. Since its inception in 2016, "Tandem Flight" has fulfilled the dream of flying for over 50 people with disabilities.

Furthermore, inspired by letters from children expressing their desire to fly, a special paragliding wheelchair for children was realized with support from crowdfunding and nationwide contributions, allowing children's dreams to come true.

Details about the flights are thoroughly described on the official website of the Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Center, so those interested should definitely check it out.

参照：パラグライダー体験について｜一般社団法人山形バリアフリー観光ツアーセンター

Experiencing this in the intense summer heat requires proper heatstroke precautions. The following article provides detailed recommendations for heatstroke prevention for wheelchair users. If you plan to participate in the summer, be sure to check it out.

参照：【2026年最新】車椅子の熱中症対策！外出の工夫とおすすめ便利グッズ

3. Voices of Those Who Have Experienced It

• Watching people fly at Daikanbo in Aso, I always wanted to try it at least once. I applied while on a business trip to Yamagata Prefecture (since it's not available in my hometown, Sado Island). When I actually flew, I was relieved it wasn't scary. I was taught how to fly carefully, and once in the air, I forgot all about it. I took lots of photos (Instagram-worthy) and it became a great memory. I'm looking for more activities to challenge myself.
• The altitude was higher than I expected, and people and buildings looked very small. I wonder how wonderful it would be to fly during the autumn foliage or in winter with snow. I hope to experience solo flight someday. Thank you for the enjoyable time.

4. The Message Conveyed Through the Wheelchair Paragliding Experience Tandem Flight

Kenichi Kato expresses through the wheelchair paragliding experience "Tandem Flight" his desire to create a society where "everyone can challenge various things, regardless of disability." He aims to break the stereotype of "not being able to do it because of a disability" and create a society where everyone can challenge various things. People with disabilities face various barriers not only in flying but also in daily life. However, the importance of challenging various things despite having a disability, and the belief that society and the world can gradually change from one person's challenge, is the passionate vision of Kato embedded in "Tandem Flight."

5. Conclusion

Through this article, I have once again realized the importance of considering "how to achieve it" rather than giving up due to disability, as demonstrated by Kenichi Kato in a society where many have to give up due to disabilities.

What seems impossible can sometimes be overcome with creativity and support from various people.

The wheelchair paragliding experience "Tandem Flight" at Nanyo Sky Park in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is Japan's first flight area for this activity. As of June 2026, areas where wheelchair flights are possible have expanded nationwide, including in Gunma and Shiga Prefectures..

Why not challenge yourself to a paragliding experience "Tandem Flight" too?

【Inquiries】
Yamagata Barrier-Free Tourism Center
Address: 1845 Gamoda, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture (Office)
Phone Number: 0238-20-6125 Official Site:http://yamagata-bftc.jp/

【Flight Operations】
Soaring System Paragliding School
Address: 1970-4 Kunugizuka, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture
Phone Number: 0238-40-2149 Official Site:http://soaringsystems.co.jp/