Creating an Era of Personal Recognition: Exploring Mr. Yoshitsugu's Vision!

Have you heard of a condition called osteogenesis imperfecta? This time, we interviewed Mari Yoshitsugu, who has worked at major foreign companies and care facilities while living with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Yoshitsugu, who has lived in the general society, shared her thoughts on interacting with able-bodied individuals and the ideal relationship with them.

We hope this article provides insights for those who feel anxious about entering society or struggle to interact with able-bodied individuals.

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

1. Who is Mari Yoshitsugu?

Yoshitsugu realized she had the condition shortly after birth. She was diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta after tests revealed she had already suffered fractures in the womb.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a congenital condition characterized by brittle bones that are prone to fractures and deformities. It affects approximately 1 in 20,000 to 30,000 people and is classified as a designated intractable disease.

Reference: "Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Designated Intractable Disease 274)" by the Japan Intractable Diseases Research Foundation

At the time, there were few cases in Japan, and it took time to diagnose the disability.

Even within the category of osteogenesis imperfecta, symptoms vary among individuals, and Yoshitsugu is considered to have a severe form. Due to repeated fractures since childhood, her current height is about 85 cm, significantly shorter than the average woman.

Although she can manage meals and dressing with some ingenuity, she generally requires assistance for most daily activities.

With support from her family and a dedicated caregiver arranged by the education board, she attended regular schools for kindergarten and elementary school and then moved on to a special support school (Kiri Gaoka Special Support School) for junior high and high school.

Many students with physical disabilities at the school went on to higher education, which influenced Yoshitsugu to consider further studies early on.

At the time, she aspired to become an architect. Her motivation stemmed from the frequent challenges posed by steps in shops and buildings when going out with family and friends. These obstacles sometimes forced them to abandon plans, affecting their interactions, and she wanted to solve this problem.

In her second year of high school, she attended trial classes at a vocational school offering architectural studies for a year.

However, when she became a prospective student and consulted about admission, she was refused due to the lack of barrier-free facilities and support systems. At the time, the Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities had not been enacted, making it difficult to challenge the situation.

Reference: "Promotion of Elimination of Discrimination Based on Disability" by the Cabinet Office

Despite spending over a year hoping to attend her desired school, she was left in a state of shock when she couldn't even take the entrance exam. Nevertheless, given the circumstances, there was no other path than further education, and with her parents' encouragement, she decided to pursue a degree in psychology.

2. Why Did She Start Living Alone?

Yoshitsugu currently lives alone with the support of home care (intensive home care). A helper visits from 6 PM to 8:30 AM the next day, and she spends the rest of the time alone.

After working for three years and achieving financial independence, she began considering living alone. However, her parents were deeply concerned.

To persuade them, Yoshitsugu said:

"What will I do if something happens to you, Mom?"

She felt that, due to her limited physical mobility, she had less knowledge of daily life activities like housework or part-time jobs compared to able-bodied individuals.

Suddenly living alone after her parents' passing would pose significant risks. By preparing while she could still receive family support, she convinced them that they could live with peace of mind, and she obtained permission to live independently.

Instead of keeping someone close out of worry, Yoshitsugu believes that living a survival lifestyle within the range of available support is the best support environment.

3. Delving into Real Job Hunting and Employment Experiences!

Yoshitsugu enjoyed studying psychology at university. However, she did not consider working in the psychology field, such as becoming a clinical psychologist, due to the physically demanding nature of the work and the lack of job stability.

When job hunting in the general corporate world, she faced many barriers unique to people with disabilities, similar to her experience when pursuing further education.

Typically, job hunting begins in the third year of university. Yoshitsugu started using information sites that support employment for people with disabilities in her second year and participated in various events. Nonetheless, gaining understanding for toilet assistance remained challenging.

Then, one encounter significantly changed Yoshitsugu's future.

She admired someone—not a celebrity or artist, but a classmate's mother.

Seeing her elegantly dressed in heels and a stylish suit, like a career woman in a drama, inspired Yoshitsugu to think, "I want to be a cool office lady like her!"

While struggling with job hunting, she asked to visit the company where this admired mother worked, leading to an internship opportunity. Despite challenges, she creatively tackled each one, completing a 2-3 week internship and gaining her first real sense of working life.

Subsequently, during an interview at the company where she interned, Yoshitsugu's proactive nature and cheerful demeanor caught the interviewer's attention, and she was successfully hired.

4. Never Giving Up, No Matter the Challenges

Although her days working at a major company were fulfilling, Yoshitsugu admits it was the most demanding work she had ever experienced. After eight years, the physical and mental fatigue accumulated, leading to her resignation.

She then joined a care facility, only to face another significant challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020.

This led to a reduction in personnel for toilet assistance, and despite efforts to manage, such as reducing fluid intake, the physical burden gradually increased.

Adding to the strain was a femur fracture, resulting in a four-month leave of absence, which ultimately led to her resignation.

Yoshitsugu has experienced numerous fractures, each time halting her life. The most challenging aspect, she says, is when she has to give up on places she wants to visit or services she wishes to receive due to being in a wheelchair or having a disability.

Despite the varied conditions among wheelchair users and people with disabilities, she has often witnessed situations where communication is cut off before it even begins.

From her experiences, she believes that awareness leads to understanding. Therefore, she actively participates in events for able-bodied individuals.

Dance is one such activity. Through participating in a dance team, she realized a collaboration with professional dancers.

Yoshitsugu is also currently aspiring to become a talent. She wants to express herself through media to reach a broader audience.

In the face of adversity, she remains calm and takes action. Rather than giving up, Yoshitsugu continues to be a challenger, and her future endeavors are highly anticipated.

5. What Bright Future Does Yoshitsugu Envision?

While conducting training at a care facility, Yoshitsugu was asked about interacting with people with disabilities.

People with disabilities tend to be categorized, but fundamentally, they are the same as able-bodied individuals. It's about getting to know each other through communication. Even if accommodations are needed, there is no special way to close the distance.

On the other hand, she feels that people with disabilities also recognize the necessity of entering society. By stepping out and interacting with able-bodied individuals, understanding deepens. She believes that both sides need to understand each other's cultures and values.

Awareness of people with disabilities is increasing each year. However, even among people with disabilities, gender, illness, personality, and values differ from person to person. She believes that as more diverse individuals with disabilities come forward, it will become an era of