This time, we introduce Ryoko Nakajima, who is gaining attention as a wheelchair influencer.
The journey of a woman who was inspired by a single movie and wanted to become someone who could move others will surely give you courage. Please read to the end.
*Information was confirmed and partially updated on March 13, 2026.
1. Who is Ryoko Nakajima?
Ryoko Nakajima is a wheelchair influencer actively involved in television appearances, YouTube content creation, and public speaking.
So, how did she become a wheelchair influencer?
At the age of nine, Nakajima developed transverse myelitis of unknown cause, which led to her life in a wheelchair.
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation across the spinal cord. Symptoms can range from mild, such as back pain and numbness, to severe, such as muscle weakness.
While treatment can lead to recovery, some may experience lasting disabilities that affect daily life.
Reference: "Acute Transverse Myelitis" MSD Manual Consumer Version
When Nakajima first developed this condition, she struggled to accept her sudden life in a wheelchair and felt hopeless.
However, her life changed when she encountered the movie "Titanic." Through the film, she was exposed to different cultures and values, and she felt "I want to create movies that can move people's hearts." After graduating high school, she moved to Los Angeles, California.
She attended a language school and graduated from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. After returning to Japan, she worked as an interpreter and translator. From 2016 to December 2017, she worked as a video editor at FOX Networks before becoming a wheelchair influencer.
Reference: Ryoko Nakajima Official Website | Wheelchair Influencer
2. What is a "Wheelchair Influencer"?
The term "wheelchair influencer" was coined by Nakajima because she disliked being labeled as a wheelchair talent when appearing on television.
Utilizing her experiences as a wheelchair user, she engages in impactful activities similar to general influencers, providing courage and energy to many people.
As a wheelchair influencer, Nakajima has achieved numerous accomplishments as of October 2022 (some achievements are highlighted below).
[Achievements]
・Total social media followers exceed 45,000
・Participated as a torchbearer and performer in the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
・Appointed as a Host Town Advisor for the Cabinet Secretariat's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Basic Policy Promotion Survey
・Hosted the "Host Town Summit 2021" organized by the Cabinet Secretariat's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Promotion Headquarters
・Appointed as an ambassador for Barrier-Free eSports Company ePARA
・Delivered over 55 lectures at universities, companies, and organizations
・Featured on the cover and as a reader model for "Co-Co Life☆Women's Club Vol.22"
・Appeared 11 times on NHK E-Tele's "Heart Net TV B-Side Talk"
・Appeared on AbemaTV's "W no Hikigeki"
・Interviewed for the magazine "Nursing Power" (published by Sanro Research Institute) in "Ask This Person Vol. 6: Mental Barrier-Free (Part 1) & (Part 2)"
・Participated in fashion shows for "Sports of Heart 2018 in Oita," "Sports of Heart 2019 in Tokyo," "Sports of Heart 2019 in Oita," "Sports of Heart 2020 in Tokyo," and "Sports of Heart 2021 in Oita"
・Appeared in the Amazon Prime drama "Kyle and Ryoko"
・Appeared in the movie "First Mission"
・Made numerous appearances on TV programs, radio, web media, newspapers, and magazines
3. Activities to "Break the Norms of Disability"
Nakajima continues her activities with the aim of "breaking the norms of disability" to make Japanese society and people's hearts barrier-free.
For example, on YouTube, she candidly discusses topics such as work situations for wheelchair users and issues related to incontinence. Her content is valuable for wheelchair users and those who support them.
In her lectures, she shares her journey of accepting her life in a wheelchair and learning to enjoy life, providing strength to those struggling to accept their disabilities or feeling burdened.
In this way, Nakajima is breaking the norms of disability and transforming the image of wheelchairs into something positive.
4. Nakajima's Future Goals and Areas of Activity
When asked about her future goals and areas of activity, Nakajima shared the following:
"I haven't set very clear goals, but I want to expand the possibilities for wheelchairs and disabilities.
For example, last month, I participated in the M-1 Grand Prix preliminaries with a friend in a wheelchair, forming the first-ever wheelchair female comedy duo.
Unfortunately, we didn't make it past the preliminaries, but it was a lot of fun, so I want to continue challenging things that wheelchair users haven't done before.
Personally, I find the 'urinary pads' (adult diapers) commercials very cool, and I want to appear in one.
By presenting urinary pads in a stylish way, I hope to change the image of 'adult diapers' to something more chic and not embarrassing, so that those who need them due to disabilities won't feel ashamed.
Additionally, I want to be more active in the entertainment world in the future."
5. In Conclusion
This time, we introduced wheelchair influencer Ryoko Nakajima.
Her activities can be said to provide courage and energy to everyone, regardless of disabilities, bringing laughter to daily life.
Today, Nakajima continues to spread the concept of barrier-free hearts in Japan. Be sure to check out her official website and various social media platforms.
Official Website: https://www.ryoko-nakajima.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minionpolarbear/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NakashimaMinion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryokon1
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeSsxoqjXX_R4kvAD1PI1iw
