This article introduces the Duskin Leadership Training in Japan, a program for persons with disabilities in Asia and the Pacific. It is entrusted by the Duskin Ainowa Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation and conducted by JSRPD since 1999. The program is characterized by individualized disability leadership training tailored to the interests of each participant in a 10-month intensive training in Japan. To date, the program has produced 139 alumni, many of whom are active as young leaders of people with disabilities in their respective countries and regions.

The four 21st trainees came to Japan in September 2019, completed language training in Japanese or Japanese sign language for Deaf trainees, and began their individualized training in January 2020. Unfortunately, around the same time, the COVID19 infection was confirmed in Japan. We could not have imagined at the time that this would have such a significant impact on their training.

After February, when the number of infected people in Japan increased sharply, we made minor changes to the content of the training in order to continue the training. Then, in April 2020, the government declared a state of emergency, so we discussed how to carry out the individualized training with those in charge at training sites. Even though the sites were also facing an unprecedented situation, they kept the training running while taking care of mental health and devising training methods. It is enormous thanks to them that the trainees could continue their studies in the midst of the pandemic.

After completing their training in Japan, the trainees were supposed to return home in June. However, due to entry restrictions in their home countries, only three could return home before the end of 2020, and the remaining one could not return until April 2021. There were concerns about the psychological burden on the trainees, but they overcame their anxiety with the informal support from people they met in Japan. The strong and warm human relationships cultivated through close contact during the face-to-face training also helped a lot.

And now, although it is still challenging to invite the 22nd batch of trainees, we are steadily preparing for their arrival in Japan, providing online language training. The COVID19 pandemic reaffirmed the unique power of face-to-face training, and also allowed us to discover the potential of online training. At times like this, we believe it is our mission to disseminate information about our alumni who are already active in various parts of the world.