Masaki Yokoyama
International Christian University 4th year

“In this survey ...,” as I was writing my graduation thesis while listening to the electronic voice of my computer, I occasionally remember three years ago when I was just in first year of university and having fun without even a thought of wearing a mask. I think it was around that time that I made a contribution to this column. I have congenital amblyopia, and I often use the audio computer to study. My major is cultural anthropology, and my graduation research will be an ethnographic survey of the white cane, which I regularly use, its symbolism and the physical sensations it generates. Looking back, my university life started just before COVID-19 fell upon us. I spent the mid-half period in turmoil, and now I find I am about to graduate while facing a new era. In such a social transition stage, I would like to thank you for giving me again the opportunity to write about my experience.

About the time when the first state of emergency was declared, International Christian University, where I am enrolled, quickly established an online class system, and we were able to take classes without any problems. I am often asked, “Isn’t there a lot of difficulty for people with visual impairments in online classes?” While there were some disadvantages, such as “it is difficult to know who expressed his/her opinions in a discussion” or “it is hard to ask for support on the spot,” I also noticed that there were unexpectedly many advantages that face-to-face classes do not have, such as “projected materials are easy to see because they can be enlarged” and “the materials are more accessible as there is no exchange of actual paper.” Still, under such circumstances, for someone like me who likes the outdoors, the life of self-restraint was harsh as I had to refrain from going out spontaneously or meeting friends. I was particularly disappointed by the suspension of extracurricular activities and the club’s plan to “create accessible museum exhibits”.

In 2022, the turmoil inside and outside the university had somewhat subsided, and various events, such as school festivals, have resumed. We managed to resume activities with the museum, and recently we are making progress on the production of Braille leaflets. In addition, another museum representative personally approached me and got me involved in a workshop for the visually impaired for preliminary confirmation of tactile maps and explanation methods. I have loved museums since I was a child, and I have always wanted to enjoy museums more! It was the moment when my dream blossomed. Until now, I have always considered myself a “museum lover.” Thanks to the teachers at the school for the blind and many other people who knowingly supported me, I was able to have this opportunity to work for a museum.

Actually, I would like to follow this flow and continue to be involved in the museum, but from next fiscal year I will start a new life and work for a private company. I cannot deny that I have some worries about becoming a responsible member of society, but perhaps because of my outdoorsy personality, I feel that my hopes for a new world are bigger. Recently, I really enjoy learning about the company’s vision and learning sign language from my deaf batchmate, even though I cannot see the person. My goal for now is to live an independent life while accumulating experience as a member of the society. Although the approach may differ from when I was a student, it is essential to be prepared to go outside, such as being sent to foreign countries, cultural activities outside of work, etc. I will work hard in this rapidly changing society by keeping up my enthusiasm to live an independent life, cherishing my experiences, human relationships, and my attitude of continuing to learn.

My usual study scene