Mainichi Shimbun Disability Sports Forum We all thought about it together.

The Mainichi Newspapers held the "Disabled Sports Forum 2015" (Supported by: Japan Disabled Sports Association; Sponsored by: JA Mutual Aid, Morisawa, Avex Group Holdings, Asset Lead) at Nippon Sport Science University in Setagaya, Tokyo, on December 6.

■ Understanding Sports for Persons with Disabilities

In Part 1, sports journalist Tetsuo Nakanishi served as coordinator. Participants included wheelchair basketball player Hide Toyoshima, blind soccer player Kento Kato, para-athletics athlete Sae Tsuji, Nippon Sport Science University Assistant Professor Rie Tanaka, and Ichiro Yamaguchi, a member of the Mainichi Shimbun's Olympic and Paralympic Task Force Committee. They discussed the theme "Supporting Disability Sports Together." The three athletes spoke about their encounters with sports, the appeal and depth of their disciplines, and their experiences at the Paralympics and other competitions.

Tanaka introduced the university's "Young Athlete Discovery Project," which provides training, medical, and nutritional support even to athletes not yet on the national team. "A good environment is being established for athletes aiming for the Olympics and Paralympics," she said. Mr. Yamaguchi, who has covered disabled sports since 1997, commented on media trends: "Since the decision to host the 2020 Tokyo Games, attention on para sports has increased, and coverage on par with able-bodied sports has grown." He revealed plans to continue initiatives supporting disabled sports. He also welcomed the increased attention on athletes as a motivational boost and shared his aspirations for the Rio and Tokyo Games. Nakanishi concluded, "I want many people to learn about the incredible nature of para sports through various opportunities."

At the venue, athletes Toyoshima and Kato demonstrated their sports. After experiencing both, Tanaka smiled and remarked, "They're very challenging sports, but I think the enjoyment grows as you figure things out and make progress."

■ Activities of Sponsoring Companies

In Part 2, themed "Toward Realizing a Universal Society," case studies were presented. These included demonstrations of assistance dogs retrieving dropped items, removing socks, and fetching drinks from the refrigerator—recreating how they care for people with disabilities. Alongside actual user testimonials, the presentations appealed for greater understanding and cooperation with assistance dogs. Morisawa introduced its UD (Universal Design) fonts, designed for "anyone to use without difficulty." They mentioned plans to expand into multiple languages ahead of 2020. Avex Group Holdings presented its proactive employment and support of top athletes with disabilities. They aim to raise awareness of parasports and communicate their appeal as entertainment through various initiatives.