Your Brave Step Transforms Your Environment - Tatsuya Miyo, the Wheelchair Traveler

If you were suddenly required to live life in a wheelchair, would you consider attempting to travel around the world?

Would you want the journey to be more than just for yourself, but also to inspire others to take a courageous step forward?

In Japan, there is someone who has taken on challenges beyond anyone's imagination.

That person is Tatsuya Miyo, also known as the Wheelchair Traveler.
With a backpack hanging from the handles of his wheelchair and a travel bag on his lap, Miyo, who has quadriplegia, travels solo both domestically and internationally as a "Wheelchair Traveler." His 9-month journey around the world is filled with discoveries, hope, and courage.

"If I can encourage someone I meet on my travels, nothing would make me happier," he says, never stopping his forward momentum.

Miyo values human connections. In recent years, it has been said that communication with others has become scarce due to the impact of COVID-19. The idea of valuing human connections is something we must not forget in today's world, where we live alongside the coronavirus.

We humans have a wealth of possibilities. Miyo seems to demonstrate through his actions how to unlock those possibilities.

We decided to feature Miyo's approach in this article to share it with the world.

"Traveling is impossible for me," "Even if I want to do something, I can't find the courage,"
If you feel this way, we hope this article can give you courage and energy.

*Information was verified and partially updated on March 13, 2026.

1. Who is Tatsuya Miyo?

Affectionately known as "Miyocchi" by many, Miyo is a beloved figure.

When the writer of this article asked people around Miyo, "How would you describe Miyo in one word?" everyone unanimously answered, "A person who cherishes every encounter, someone with a straightforward kindness that brings smiles to those around him."

What kind of life has Miyo led?
Let's delve into his hobbies, life, and achievements.

[Hobbies]
・Traveling (mainly solo trips)
・Supporting others' challenges (e.g., taking someone beyond their existing worldview, showing them new worlds, and providing wonderful experiences)
・Visiting clubs and bars overseas
・Conversations with elderly people

[Background]
・Born on November 30, 1988, in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture
・Raised in a family of kendo practitioners, he excelled in customer service, winning a prize at the East Japan competition while working part-time at a gas station
・Suffered a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident, resulting in quadriplegia and a life in a wheelchair
・Joined the wheelchair twin basketball team "BLAYS" (now graduated)
・Used summer vacation from work to travel solo to Hawaii for the first time (where he discovered his love for travel)
・Decided to travel around the world to inspire others to take a step forward
・Traveled to over 42 cities in 23 countries over 9 months, completing a world tour
・Began sharing his travel experiences and life philosophy to inspire those who had given up on taking a step forward, encouraging them to take action by showing them new environments and worlds
・Started giving lectures to support others' challenges
・Authored "No Rain, No Rainbow: My Journey Around the World in a Wheelchair After Nearly Dying"
・Moved to Okinawa in March 2021 to start a new life

Here are Miyo's achievements, including his lectures, as of May 13, 2022.

[Achievements]

・Over 30,000 followers on social media
・Featured in over 20 media outlets, including web, radio, TV, and newspapers
・Delivered over 150 lectures at NPOs, companies, schools, municipalities, commercial facilities, and more
・Participated in a symposium on universal tourism hosted by the Japan Tourism Agency
・Part-time lecturer at Ryukyu Rehabilitation Academy
・Lectured at events hosted by H.I.S. Co., Ltd.
・Lectured at ANA (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.)
・Appointed as a special supporter for the H.I.S. Universal Tourism Desk
・Supervised the creation of wheelchair-accessible tours with H.I.S., such as trips to Hawaii
・Appointed as an official supporter for Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive

・Featured in the 2022 English textbook for new high school freshmen with an episode about traveling the world in a wheelchair

・Hosts a radio show every Wednesday at 21:00 on Okinawa's radio station "OkiRadio"

・Regular guest on Okinawa's TV station RBC Ryukyu Broadcasting's "Koza no Uragawa" (every Monday at 25:30)

Despite his impressive achievements, Miyo has had a dark past.

2. A Turning Point in Life

There was someone who saved Miyo from the depths of despair.
He met this person, whom he considers a mentor, at a rehabilitation facility in Shizuoka.

What did Miyo learn from this mentor?

After a motorcycle accident left him with a spinal cord injury and quadriplegia, Miyo moved to a facility in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, for rehabilitation. However, he lost hope in life and spent his days without motivation.

One day, a man from his parents' generation with the same disability told him, "You're being spoiled." This remark was a turning point, transforming his days of aimlessness and anxiety. Miyo began to refer to this man as his mentor.

The mentor gave Miyo a significant mission.
・Return home to Ibaraki from the rehabilitation facility in Shizuoka by train
・The mentor believed, "Miyo can do more!" and encouraged him to live alone in Tokyo

He overcame this mission with the help of the knowledge and wisdom of many friends.

With the support and advice of his mentor, and the presence of friends he met through his actions, as well as the confidence and determination he gained from overcoming difficulties, Miyo was able to embark on a solo trip to Hawaii. This trip to Hawaii marked the beginning of his journey around the world.

*Photo of Miyo and his mentor at the time

Thus, he was reborn as a Wheelchair Traveler, experiencing the culture and kindness of foreign countries.

What Miyo learned from his mentor was "the importance of challenging oneself and taking action."

When anyone takes on a challenge or takes action, they will likely face failure, anxiety, and ridicule from others. However, even if they fail, their actions can become an asset and a source of courage for someone else.

The mentor's advice conveyed the message that "You can only change your future through challenges and actions. Once the future changes, it becomes an asset in the form of experiences that influence others."

The encounter with his mentor allowed Miyo to see a brighter future filled with hope. Additionally, it was Miyo's own thoughts, actions, and determination that have brought him to where he is today.