Trainees from Tama Kusamura no Kai participated in confectionary processes and procedures, which are big parts of Ginza Kazuya's Tokyo Tama International Project. With the store's owner, Kazuya Koseki, they sliced each yuzu one by one and made yuzu jam for the confectionary. Koseki said that he was impressed not only by their integrity and honesty but also the courtesy and reliability that they demonstrated while working in the factory. The principal of normalization is not developed in Japan, where handicapped people work as cheap labour in a harsh environment. It is important for them to realize that they can be an integral part of society. They should not be isolated or segregated from society even though they face difficult situations. That's why we need to offer them an opportunity to engage in society. Ginza Kazuya, with a tiny Japanese confectionery store, wishes to send a message to society: 'Everyone deserves an opportunity to pursue their dream and live out their passion, and it all starts with that one small step.'
My fight against anxiety disorder.
I was a first-born of two children. After our family moved to Tama, I displayed an intraverted personality. As a kindergarden student, I felt like an outsider and was scared of people with an aggressive tone of voice. At primary school, I didn't feel like talking or eating with others and started displaying a sign of learning disabilities. I felt a sense of alienation and was scared of working in society. I suffer from an irregular heartbeat and other nerve disorders so I decided to see a doctor. However, no diagnosis was given.
I pushed myself hard enough to truly make the changes I needed to make it through in the real world. I was exposed to the dark side of business and human relationships. It's been quite hard but I kept going. Eventually I was promoted to an important position at a big company. At the same time, I became aware that I suffer from panic and anxiety disorders that worsened over the years.
When I heard of Yumu, a café run by Tama Kusamura no Kai, I was suffering from psychological stress caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, During my first visit, I met a kind instructor and loved the peaceful working environment. On the same day, I told them that I would like to work with them. I now find it rewarding to work in this environment.
As I reflect on myself, I realize that it's important to know my own limits. Once I know my limitations, I can develop the courage to say no and learn how to avoid difficult situations.
I don't have a clear idea of my future career path. However, at least I know that I want to master the art of confectionery making.
There is only one way to move into the light. Be honest with myself and stay optimistic about the fear of my symptons reoccurring. I can now clearly see the path of my future.
