October 10, 2008

Congratulations! Mr. Ichiro Maruyama

JICA 2008 Presidential Award to the late Mr. Ichiro Maruyama

Our forever leader, the late Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, former course leader of Voc. Rehab Course, received the 5th JICA Presidential Award.

This award is given to those who have made outstanding contributions to JICA’s technical assistance in respective fields since 2004. This year, thirty two Japanese and foreign individuals and ten organizations are presented with JICA 2008 Presidential Awards.

The commendation ceremony was held on September 16 at JICA headquarters and the award was handed to Mrs. Maruyama by JICA President Ms. Sadako Ogata.

Mr. Maruyama was a man of foresight and what he has done is so meaningful for persons with disabilities of the world that we cannot be valued.

We all jicafriends are proud of his award.

Congratulations! Mr.Maruyama.

We do hope you can hear our voice.

President's Desk: http://www.jica.go.jp/english/about/president/
We, jicafriends, would like show our sincere gladness that Mr. Maruyama’s remarkable achievement was recognized in this way.

Secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 05:28 PM | Comments (0)

June 26, 2008

Condolence from NANCI-Mexico

Sorry, I feel sad for this notice, he was a special teacher in our curse,
he is in my heart for ever.

Posted by jicafriends at 03:37 PM | Comments (0)

May 19, 2008

Memory of Mr. Maruyama-Taiwan

Condolence for Mr. Ichiro Maruyama can be found at the website of Eden International Welfare Foundation in Taiwan.

http://engweb.eden.org.tw/modules/news/article.php?storyid=69

Posted by jicafriends at 05:51 PM | Comments (0)

May 16, 2008

Mr. Ichiro Maruyama’s Acceptance Speech

Mr. Ichiro Maruyama received the Special Masao Ogura Award from the Yamato Welfare Foundation on December 5th, 2007. And he expressed his gratitude with the following speech, which touched everyone's heart.

This is the English translation of his Acceptance Speech at the 8th Yamato Welfare Foundation’s Award Presentation.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your presence today. I have been under treatment since last April when a malignant tumor was discovered. As you can see, nutrients are being injected intravenously. I am not entirely sure, and therefore I feel a bit shy, when I wonder if my work is worthy of receiving the award in the name of the late Mr. Masao Ogura. However, I decided to accept it with a tremendous sense of gratitude for the kindness of so many people. I am particularly happy to do so also because I can share this honor with my wife, and the entire family, who have been going through a very difficult time for all these years. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

With your permission, I would like to have my son read my speech as I easily get tired and am unable to sustain my voice.

It was in 1964, 43 years ago when I was still a college student and participated in the Tokyo Paralympics as a volunteer interpreter under the auspices of the Japanese Red Cross. Japanese athletes were all sent either from the hospitals or shelters and institutions where they were treated as patients. None of them had jobs. No one even thought they could be employable.

Contrary to this, the athletes from the West were all ordinary working people in their respective society. We learnt that even those with severe disabilities were full members of society working in various kinds of jobs. Compared to where they came from, they told us, the Japanese environment for the people with disabilities (PWDs) was at least 30 to 50 years behind.

At the Japanese team wrap party, the athletes were happy and proud that they could participate in the wonderful world that celebrated humanity. At the same time, however, they were all in tears with the thought of having to go back to their lives of no hope.　
The difference between Japanese society and that of the West’s was staggering. I was aghast at the misery of Japanese conditions.

I chose “Disability and Productivity” as the theme of my graduation thesis. While organizing volunteer groups to assist Paralympics athletes toward their employment, I researched the working conditions and situations of the PWDs who were not employed in a true sense. I visited the workshop in Hakone (*the remote mountainous area of Kanagawa) for disabled veterans. There were only a few workshops in Tokyo and Kanagawa area. At these facilities, people were engaged in menial work and they all had gloomy and sad expressions on their faces. At the Tokyo Colony, they lived in partitioned passenger cars no longer used by the Japan Railway. Their meals were left over foods from the hospitals. How moved I was at the sight of recovering tuberculosis patients such as Mr. Kazuoki Shirabe who were trying to create places of employment on their own. The patients hovered over mimeograph machines on their beds.

Furthermore, I had an opportunity to visit the athletes in the United States and Europe who participated in the Tokyo Paralympics at the places of their employment. Through this trip, I came to understand such fundamental approaches towards disability as distinctions between rehabilitation and employment programs and creations of an inclusive social environment where everyone, PWDs included, could live together harmoniously. I witnessed many people with severe disabilities, for whom open employment was hard to obtain, enjoying their work at the Goodwill Industries and Abilities in the United States. I was encouraged by watching many European athletes working in the program under the special assistance employment policy such as Remploy in the UK.

Japan’s situation, so far behind the West, seemed absolutely hopeless. At the same time, however, I thought: if the West could achieve this much, Japan should be able to do so too. A report of my study tour in the West was presented to Mr. Yutaka Nakamura, Head of the Japanese team at the Paralympics. My proposal was to build a modern factory, not tiny shops for menial jobs. Thus, I joined the fund raising activities to build what was later to become “Japan Sun Industries.” In its original Japanese, Mr. Tsutomu Mizukami (author/novelist) named it as "Taiyo no Ie" (meaning "the House of Sun"). While he decided to use the word "Ie" (meaning "house" or "home") with special thoughts in his heart for persons with disabilities, the word "Industries" was chosen for translation for its English version of the name.

After graduating from the university, I wasted no time in joining the Japan Sun Industries located in Beppu, Kyushu. I wanted to put what I learnt at the university like plant design, quality control and motion study into practical use. In retrospect, I was totally engrossed and inspired. The first production was bamboo crafts. Three years later, when we became a part supplier for the Sharp Corporation, we were ecstatic. Unlike anywhere else, the Japan Sun Industries continues its operations to date by employing more than 1,100 PWDs who manufacture products for the affiliated major companies like Omron, Sony, Honda, Mitsubishi Corporation and Fujitsu. Behind this progress lies tremendous efforts by able administrators like Mr. Yoshihiro Ikata and PWDs who came to work from all over Japan.

Forty-three years has passed since the Tokyo Paralympics. I was fortunate to have been guided by wonderful leaders and mentors like Messrs. Kazuoki Shirabe, Hajime Ogawa and Kenji Itayama. I was also lucky to have had capable friends and colleagues in and out of Japan. Together with them, I had opportunities to work in all kinds of disability related issues; to name a few, vocational rehabilitation, promotion of employment and work, welfare factory management, development of diversified forms of work, environment improvement movements, promotion of measures to help PWDs, and development of human resources as well as employment in Asia. I am delighted to be in the company of Mr. Akiyoshi Yamada today as a fellow recipient of the award. He and I go back a long ways, from the days when we worked together to widen the PWDs’ living environment.

If I may humbly say, I made a small contribution as a liaison to coordinate activities among many disability organizations that exist in Japan to promote international cooperation. It was a great pleasure for me that all these disability related activities and experiences enabled me to act as a public relations person during the United Nation’s International Year of Disabled Persons and to make various program proposals as a welfare officer during my years in the Japanese government.

Much progress has been made in the intervening years. We provided information to enhance public awareness and to call the political attentions towards disability issues. We made coordinated efforts among different organizations and movements. All these efforts are attributed to the introduction of the Basic Pension Program・Special Allowance for PWDs. We were very happy that the income security for PWDs was improved and their lives were drastically changed for the better. We were proud of the big step forward Japan made. The entire nation accepted the responsibility of bearing the necessary costs to create a harmonious Japanese society. We also saw it as Japan’s concrete contribution by being an exemplary model for the rest of Asia.

By furthering the progress made thus far, we had high expectations that additional steps forward would lead to the solutions of many remaining problems. To move from “Full participation and Equality” to “Society for All” was a goal set by the United Nations to eradicate disability problems. With regards to development, Japan was behind the West by 50 years. But efforts and resulting improvement helped minimize the gap.

However, this hopeful development was arrested. Making an entire society harmonious is the fundamental key in addressing disability issues. Our perseverance stopped making further inroads in the shadow of the weakening social security resulting from the countries’ fiscal crisis. Now, I would even say it has regressed. People who live in the most difficult conditions are excluded in the debate on social security as a whole. The debate circumvents the notion of what the fundamental idea of a harmonious society is or should be.

Set the goal whereby persons with severe disabilities can lead a normal social life. It will bring the benefits to everyone in our society. I wish to reactivate our efforts once again to have all the sectors of society to have a greater understanding of this. How I wish to bring back our energy that gave birth to the Disability Basic Pension!

On the employment front, persons with disabilities - and therefore with low productivity - are dealt with under the welfare programs. They continue to be excluded from the measures under the employment policy. The International Labor Organization’s recommendation made more than 50 years ago was that PWDs be included in the employment policy. The representation we submitted to the ILO recently sends a message to the government, and entire society, which includes businesses, labor unions, and social welfare operators. We cannot and should not acquiesce any longer.

My days are numbered, but I urge that a coalition be formed so that they can carry on what has been started and work toward solving problems. I feel Mr. Ogura, with this award, is going after me not to give up our struggle till the end.

Thank you again, ladies and gentlemen. I am much honored

Ichiro Maruyama

Posted by jicafriends at 01:21 PM | Comments (0)

April 25, 2008

Condolence from Piyaseeli Ariyaratne-Sri Lanka

healtful condolence from sri Lanaka. I rmember him very well

Piyaseeli Ariyaratne-Sri Lanka

Posted by jicafriends at 02:23 PM | Comments (0)

April 02, 2008

Condolence from Onjie san-Philippines

To the Family of Maruyama San and the JSRPD People,

I was shocked to know that Prof Ichiro Maruyama had passed away. I was one of his student in Vocational Rehab 2001. I can't explain my pain and emptiness i have in me now upon reading the messages from his friends, colleagues and students whom he gave inspiration to go on and support PWDs all over the world. It is my deepest regret that after 2001 we havn't seen each other again. I wish i could see him once more to thank him for the great inspiration he extended to us, especially with me. our batch knows how we dearly loved this man, he was a father, a brother, a mentor and a great friend. I remember singing with him in the bus during our long trip to sheltered workshop in different part of Japan. I remember his jokes during free time and eating galore. But ofcourse we always remember his thoughts about how to depend PWDs and let them move to claim their part in this world. His family is never got tired on his mission. He always talked about his wife, a great wife, and great!
server too, being in international work as diplomat. Madamme you're so blessed with Sir Maruyama. Anyway, his time is over, but his mission will ramain to flourish and expand all over the world. He will always be remembered.

Love & Prayers,

Onjie san
Philippines
Vocational Rehab Batch 2001

Posted by jicafriends at 11:43 AM | Comments (0)

March 28, 2008

Condolence from Ines San-Brazil

Dear Jicafriends

27th march, 2008

Many years have gone by since I was in Japan.(1989). But this period of my life I can't forget, mainly because I Knew Mr. Maruyama San, our course coordinator, and he dedicated special attentions to me. It's for me a shoching lost, but at the same time, I hope find him in another beatifull world, because I think that would be not possible to return to Japan.

I'll keep the best memory of him in my heart.
Thanks for all and a I hope to receive good news soon.
Ines San, 1989
Sao Paulo- Brazil

Posted by jicafriends at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)

March 27, 2008

Condolence from Maulani - Indonesia

Dear Jicafriends,

Yes it is a really Big loss for Disability World, please convey our condolences to the big family of JSRPD and all activists in Japan.

WE as Maruyama Creation as cadres all over the world are witnesses of his successful in Disability world, his dedication is an Endless struggling .

May he rest in Peace .

Maulani. A Rotinsulu - Jica Leadership Alumni 1998.

Maulani A Rotinsulu
Persatuan Penyandang Cacat Indonesia / Indonesia Disabled Peoples' Association (PPCI) Jl. Tambak No. 11 A, Jakarta - Pusat, INDONESIA.

Posted by jicafriends at 06:34 PM | Comments (0)

March 24, 2008

Condolence from Fathmath Sahudha-Maldives

It is with great sadness that I learnt about Maruyama san’s leave of us. I would like to send my condolences to his family and to JICA as he would be most missed by you. May he be remembered for his contributions in empowering and improving the condition of PWDs in Japan and through out the world. I thank him for, his contributions towards enhancing my technical capacities to serve the PWDs in the Maldives.

Thank you

Best wishes

Fathmath Sahudha
A Participant of the 2007 Vocational rehab course.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

March 19, 2008

Condolence from Karen Ngai Hong Kong

I am very sad to know about the passing away of Maruyama-san. His leaving is definitely a great blow to the disability field not only in Japan, but also regionally and internationally.
May I use the following words to share with all who love and have been inspired by Maruyama-san.

(To the Tune of the Song, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
How I wonder who you are
You are a person of action
A man full of determination

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
How I wonder who you are
You work whole-heartedly for the disability field Your laughter, your humor, your influential speech are still so close and real

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
Surely we all know who you are
You are a fighter who fights for human rights A lover who loves all mankind

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
Surely we all know who you are
Though your days on the Earth are not long Your spirit has empowered us become very strong

Maruyama-san, Maruyama-san
Surely we all know who you are…

With my deepest condolence to the Maruyama family

Karen Ngai

Posted by jicafriends at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

March 17, 2008

Condolence from Jospeh Kwok-Hong Kong

Mr. Ichiro Maruyama's death is a great loss to the entire disability sector, whether GO or NGO, whether national or international. He was such a wise, dedicated and passionate leader whose vision has inspired us all in seeking an inclusive, barrier-free and rights based society. Yet he was so humble and cheerful and a dear friend loved and missed by us all.

Joseph Kwok, Hong Kong
a former JICA student (1985) taught by Mr. Ichiro Maruyama

Posted by jicafriends at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

March 14, 2008

In memory of Mr. Ichiro Maruyama

　March is one of the most expected months for all Japanese people because Sakura (cherry tree) starts to bloom by the end of the month. People go out to enjoy beautiful scenery, have small parties eating, drinking and singing under the cherry blossoms. Missing this favorite time, Mr. Ichiro Maruyama completed his life journey of 65 years in the evening of 2nd of March.

The funeral service of Mr. Maruyama was held in Tokyo on 6th of March. Hundreds of people from all over Japan and overseas attended and said their last goodbyes. Everyone was touched and moved by the spirit of the service.

It was April 2007 when Ichiro was diagnosed with cancer in his pancreas, and chemotherapy started immediately. It had been a tough and painful treatment process for him and his family. Ichiro had never stopped his strong will to fight against the disease until the last moment.

Mr. Maruyama devoted his whole life for people with disabilities in assisting them to realize their potential, in making effective governmental policies and in inspiring the creation of disability networks not only in Japan but in the region and in the world.

He started his long career for people with disabilities when he was a university student from participating in the formation of the Japanese Red Cross Language Service Volunteers. The Paralympics Games held in Tokyo in 1964 motivated him in devoting his life long career for people with disabilities.

After working in Japan Sun Industries and Tokyo Colony, both of which are leading workshops of people with disabilities in Japan, he was called to work in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare as an expert officer on disability in 1980. During his 10 years of service in the government, he had a number of achievements in uplifting disability issues. He introduced to Japan the International Year of Disabled Persons, then United Nations Decade of Disabled Persons 1983-1992.

His next highlight was to promote the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities 1993-2002. He founded the Regional NGO Network (RNN) and as its Secretary General, he devoted great efforts in organizing the campaign conferences to promote the Decade in the countries of the region every year throughout the Decade in collaboration with United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. His contributions are so obvious and significant that many countries in the region have given rise to concrete national programs in implementing the Decade.

During the last few months of his life, he focused his concerns on the tardy proceeding of governmental initiatives in employment of people with disabilities.　While fighting against the illness and pain, he was still working on his hospital bed on a formal submission to the International Labour Organization challenging that Japanese Government was unfairly treating the employment rights of people with severe challenges.

Among his innumerable contributions, one of the most outstanding was to start the training courses on rehabilitation of persons with disabilities which were implemented by Japan International Cooperation Agency when he was in the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 1985. From then on he had devoted strong passion and energy to the development of training courses in 23 years. Last year in June even though his illness was serious, he attended and gave opening lecture to the participants as course leader of the Work and Employment course.

He loved all participants of training courses and had given to them his abundant knowledge and experience. That is why he has been called a great father of all Jicafriends. Many of those who have been inspired and encouraged by him are now following his shoes as true leaders in raising disability development in many places of the world.

He was a man of action and at the same time he was a genius to make people happy with jokes and songs. He always liked to be together with many people and liked to let them laugh. I deeply share that nobody can substitute for him.
His passing is definitely a huge loss to all people in disability sector in the world. He left us a lot of legacy in moving forward the challenges of persons with disabilities.
All Jicafriends, let us march forward together to follow his vision seeking the realization of a society where all people including persons with disabilities live equally in terms of rights and opportunities, which Mr. Maruyama had dreamed.

Even though his physical body is no more with us, his soul stays in the special place of our minds forever.

Hiroshi Ueno
Chairperson of planning committee,
Leadership development of persons with disabilities course

Posted by jicafriends at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)

March 11, 2008

Condolence from Sheraz Anwar Cheema-Pakistan

It is really a shocking news for the disability field. May his soul rest in peace.

Sheraz Anwar Cheema

Posted by jicafriends at 10:49 AM | Comments (0)

March 07, 2008

You will live in our hearts forever, Maruyama san

Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Course Leader of Vocational Rehab course, passed away on March 2, 2008, while at his home, of a pancreatic cancer. He was 65 years old.

A vigil was held on March 5 and some five hundreds of people attended. A photo of Mr. Maruyama was in front of a hall, smiling at every one of us. Some people came from abroad and his Korean friend played a viola, Amazing Grace, to the memory of Mr. Maruyama.

A funeral took place next day. About two hundred people came to see him off. His favorite songs were played in the hall all the time and everyone was remembering him. Many condolence messages arrived and some from overseas were read in front of people.

Mr. Maruyama, with his passion, has led us, encouraged us, empowered us…

He will live in our hearts and keep leading us, encouraging us, and empowering us.

We would like to share one of his favorite songs with you.

Let us sing together.

< Seven Daffodils >
I may not have mansion, I haven't any land
Not even a paper dollar to crinkle in my hands
But I can show you morning on a thousand hills
And kiss you and give you seven daffodils

I do not have a fortune to buy you pretty things
But I can weave you moonbeams for necklaces and rings
And I can show you morning on a thousand hills
And kiss you and give you seven daffodils

Oh seven golden daffodils all shining in the sun
To light our way to evening when our day is done
And I will give music and a crust of bread
And a pillow of piny boughs to rest your head
A pillow of piny boughs to rest your head

The secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 02:02 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Sameer Abu Jayyab-Palestine

Dear Jica Staff and Japanes People

Some people are so nice in something they do,
Some people are so nice in something they say,
But so little like Mr. Ichiro Maruyama so nice in everything.

We the Palestinian disabled people send our deep and worm condolences to Mr. Ichiro Maruyama family , friends and to Jica Staff and friends.

He was and still the sunshine in the hearts of the disabled people allover the world.

May God bless him and rest his soul in paradise.

Dr Sameer Abu Jayyab

Posted by jicafriends at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Mario Torres-Chile

Dear friends:

I had the chance to meet Mr Maruyama during my Scholarship in 1988, so I send my condolence and best regards to his family and friends.
The distance and time cannot delete the memories.
From Chile, sincerely,

Posted by jicafriends at 11:12 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Rekha-Sri Lanka

My deepest sympathy for Mr. Ichiro Maruyama.
It was a bad news for me and all members of our group. Anyway we have to bear it.
Most important and Good people earn their death so soon. that is nature.
Thank you very much for inform it for us.

Rekha.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:10 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Maulani. A Rotinsulu-Indonesia

Dear Jicafriends,

Yes it is a really Big loss for Disability World, please convey our condolences to the big family of
JSRPD and all activists in Japan.

WE as His Creation as cadres all over the world are witnesses of his successful in Disability world, his dedication is an Endless struggling .

May he rest in Peace .

Maulani. A Rotinsulu - Jica Leadership Alumni 1998.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Virgie E. Montilla-Philippines

On behalf of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, Inc. and the ex-trainees, our condolence to the family of Mr. Ichiro Maruyama. We may loss him but his good deeds will surely have a great reward with our Creator.

Regards,

Virgie E. Montilla
Ex-JICA trainee

Posted by jicafriends at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Cecilia-Malaysia

Oh no?..what was wrong is he ill or accident.I am very supprised when I hear this message. I offer my condolence to his family.

Cecilia

Posted by jicafriends at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Solo Damena-Papua New Guinea

My sincere condolonces

Thank you so much Ichiro for not only educating us about DIsability but also about enjoying life. Indeed in a short time you left your mark on me.

RIP
Solo Damena

Posted by jicafriends at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Adela Avila Kono-Philippines

Thank you very much for kindly informing us about Mr. Maruyama's passing. It is sad to know a good man like him is gone. Yes, we had good memories of him during the course and in other events in later years. My thoughts and prayers I offer for him that his soul enjoys the rewards of heaven.

Adela Avila-Kono
JICA 1989

Posted by jicafriends at 11:01 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Raja Marasinghe-Sri Lanka

Dear Friends,

Thanks for the mail and the information.

Please accept our deepest condolences. We would be grateful if you could also convey our condolences to his family members. He will live in our memories forever...

Raja Marasinghe

Posted by jicafriends at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from LILIAN GARRIDO VASQUEZ-Chile

Sr. JICAFRIENDS:

From this so distant country, I sit the happened, to the being Mr. Ichiro Maruyama a person that I work always for us the persons with disability. Thanks to him, you present since I we had the opportunity of which JICA will deliver the opportunity to know the work of Japan in this topic.

Big regards for all you and again my condolences.

COORDINATOR UNIT DISABILITY OF MUNICIPALITY PEÑALOLEN

SANTIAGO OF CHILE

Posted by jicafriends at 10:58 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Atif Sheikh-Pakistan

May God with those who morne, no doubt death of Maruyama san is a great loss and his initiatives for disability related trainig cources will be remembered always. May his soul rest in enternal peace

Muhammad Atif Sheikh
President STEP Pakistan

Posted by jicafriends at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Veronica and Jose-Mexico

OUR CONDOLENCE TO MR. ICHIRO MARUYAMA'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS FROM VERÓNICA AND JOSÉ (MEXICO, CITY)

Posted by jicafriends at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Cecilia Singoon-Malaysia

I am very sorry to hear that Mr Maruyama passed away. personally I have lost him as he make me lots different and learned and it benifical to me and I remember he sang the song when we were at Hyogo prefecture in one of the restaurant for his farewell as he have to go back to tokyo due to his loads of work.

I offer my condelence to his family

May his soul rest in peace

Cecilia Singoon
Jica participant 2005

Posted by jicafriends at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Shalika-Sri Lanka

I just read the Jicafriends newsletter and got to know about Ichiro Maruyama san's demise. I am deeply sorry to hear this and send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. As past participants, we are all grateful to this great human being who was the founder of the training courses for PWDs. Therefore, on behalf of all the participants of the Leaders Course - 2006, I bow down in respect and gratitude.

Shalika

Posted by jicafriends at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Swee Lan-Malaysia

To Mrs Maruyama and Family

Dear Mrs Maruyama and Family,

I am so sad to hear about Prof Maruyama. I can still recall his teachings, his encouragement and his hospitality. I was very inspired by his passion to help PWD in Japan and worldwide. He motivated me to advocate for them and to help make life more meaningful for them. I will also not forget his
dedication in serving people with disabilities and his commitment in training other people to do likewise. Though he is not around now physically, his inspiration remains. I am thankful to have the opportunity to know him and learn from him when I was in Japan in 2006. I pray that God will comfort you at this time of grief. My deepest condolence to you, Mrs Maruyama and your family. Take care.

Yours sincerely,
YEO Swee Lan
Coordinator of United Voice
(Self-Advocacy Society of Persons with Learning Disabilities)
Malaysia

Posted by jicafriends at 10:18 AM | Comments (0)

March 05, 2008

Condolence from Mohamad Sazali Shaari-Malaysia

May his soul rest in peace. Thank you for all your good work to give us opportunities to be equal in society.
The improvements of our life is the good works of yours.

Malaysian Federation of the Deaf
Mohamad Sazali Shaari
1991 Leadership Training Course for the Deaf

Posted by jicafriends at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from khemphone-Lao PDR

i may to say sorry to his family is loss him
so i hope and belive that he will go to good plaec on the sky and looking down to see his lessone will be develope from his paticipate in the world

Posted by jicafriends at 11:34 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Singxay-Lao PDR

I am sorry to hear that Mr. Maruyama the great course leader of Vocational Reh... has passed away. I am still remember his smile and voice. anyway, I pray his soul may rest in peace.
I am sorry, I just checked my email today and know that.

Best regards,

Singxay

Posted by jicafriends at 11:32 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Arunee Limmanee-Thailand

Dear friends,

I heard about this shocking news yesterday.It is hard to believe as I still remember clearly his smile, his jokes,and most of all, his forever kind support, either for work or private matters.
I still remember when I came back to Japan again one year after JICA training.At that time, he helped me with so many things. He even volunteered to bring back my suitcase when he came to Thailand for a 3-day-conference.He said he had just one small bag and he could bring back some stuff for me so that it would be easy for me to carry just one suitcase when I went back.So he brought back my suitcase but somehow the wheels of the suitcase were broken.So he had to carry it all the way at the airport.I know it was not fun but he talked about it as if it were not a big deal.He made it as a joke as always.For Maruyama san,everything is not a big deal.And he can laugh in all situations.I try to follow his way.I try to laugh even in this situation, but what I can do is just cry. Dear Maruyama san,you told me no one is too young to die and no one is too old to live.But I can't help feeling that the time has come to soon.I still want to hear more jokes,more good words,and much much more to learn from you. Dearest Maruyama san,I hope you lie in peace. My last word for you is,"Thank you" from the bottom of my heart.

With deepest condolence to Maruyama family,

Arunee Limmanee

Posted by jicafriends at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)

Condolence from Daniel Moll-Venezuela

My dear Jica Team:

I really sorry about that sad lost. For me Mr Maruyama was the one who make in me a great difference in the necessity of a training course related to persons with disabilities in my country. I think that he could develop this particular area through that courses to many many countries, and of course, that was, and I am sure about that, an enourmous help to many many people with disabilities around the world.
He stay in my memorie like a man who was a proud for me, know him.

Posted by jicafriends at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)

March 03, 2008

Please don't take our sunshine away from us.

Dear jicafriends,

It is so sad to inform you, but Mr. Ichiro Maruyama, Course Leader of Vocational Rehab. Course passed away yesterday.

Mr. Maruyama is the one who advocated the necessity of a training course related to persons with disabilities. He persuaded the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and finally started the first training course in 1984, which has now developed to two JICA training courses, "Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Persons with disabilities" and "Leadership Development of
Persons with Disabilities."

We believe that many of you still clearly remember his lecture and his big smiles.
He loved to sing and always closed the training program with a song "You're My Sunshine."

It is a great loss for the disability field.
We pray his soul may rest in peace.

The Secretariat of jicafriends

Posted by jicafriends at 04:45 PM | Comments (0)