No one's perfect, 五体不満足

A few years ago, my mother recommended that I read this story about a courageous man called Hirotada Ototake. I read the Japanese version (Gotai Fumanzoku) but the above photo is the cover of the English version (No one's perfect). As you may notice, this guy was born with no arms and no legs. But that didn't stop him from getting a degree from Waseda University (a top-notch university in Japan), practicing various sports (including basketball!), getting married to a wonderful lady, and now, teaching at primary schools. He mentioned in his book that his parents always encouraged him and never treated him, or let others treat him, as a handicapped person. I'm really glad I read that book and recommend it everyone, especially those who think that "their" life is tough...

And why am I writing about him all of a sudden? Because I saw him in a subway station the other day. By himself. No crew, no parents, or any other type of helpers. Just him on his little wheel chair whizzing by us and stopping to take an elevator.

What an amazing person. I left there saying a big "Thanks for the inspiration!" in my heart.

この前、表参道の駅で乙武さんを見かけた。ごく普通に車いすで俺たちの前を通り過ぎて、エレベータの前で止まって、一人で待ってた。もの凄いオーラだった。数年前、母ちゃんに勧められて、「五体不満足」を読んでよかったよ。

現在乙武さんは小学校の先生を務めている。こう言う素晴らしい人は、子供たち、即ち日本の未来、に希望と勇気を与えてくれるに違いない。

あぁ、よっぽど、声をかけようかと思ったけど、忙しいだろうなと思って、心の中で、「乙武さん、インスピレーションありがとう！」と言って、その場を離れた。