My trip to Japan

4 October 2002

We were able to plan a visit to Tan-Po-Po in Nara, headquarters of Wataboshi Singapore. Mr. Yoshio Murakami met us at Nara JR (Japan Railways) Station. Driving an ambulance equipped with hydraulic lifts, it was a breeze to fetch us to Tan-Po-Po in about 35 minutes.

↑ Mr. Murakami with disabled friendly ambulance transport. Presenting our host with a gift - Gilbert's painting. →

We met with many disabled Japanese of various disabilities at this rehabilitation centre, both young and old as Murakami-san showed us around. They smiled or gave curious glances and a few greeted with local phrases peppered with some English here and there.

Nineteen American students on study exchange courses with Japanese schools were there to learn what it's like being a disabled artist. The students, aged around 18 to 22, had one hand taped behind and hopped on one leg to write Chinese calligraphy letters on 1 to 2 metre squared. Seok Tin had quite an affinity with a few of the Americans when we discovered some could converse in fluent Mandarin, having majored in studies in the language in Beijing.

↑ American students' first meeting. ← Group picture with American students outside Tan-Po-Po.

more...