Project Echo ～Stories of polio, told for the future～ ① (Interviews in Nagasaki)

Liaison has launched Project Echo, a new initiative aimed at preserving and sharing the stories of polio survivors in Japan to revitalize efforts toward polio eradication.

Although poliovirus is nearing eradication now more than ever, rising cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two endemic nations, outbreaks of variant poliovirus in the African region, as well as detections of variant poliovirus in environmental samples in the United States and Europe underscore the need to ramp up efforts to eradicate the virus. Despite rising cases worldwide and Japan’s not-too-far history of polio, many young people in Japan are unaware of its severe impact and the fact that it remains an ongoing global threat.

Two of Liaison’s staff members recently discovered that they had relatives who were polio survivors, highlighting the enduring and ever present impact of polio even in Japan. Project Echo was born from this revelation. One of these relatives is still alive today (Details here) and, together with her polio survivor friends from her younger years, they kindly shared their firsthand accounts of living with polio. By these interviews of Japan’s polio survivors, we aim to share their stories and ensure that their voices continue to inspire future generations in the fight against polio.

Project Echo kickstarted with a trip to Nagasaki, starting at the Nagasaki City Welfare Center for Persons with Disabilities (Morimachi Heart Center) in March where we conducted interviews with six polio survivors. We focused on topics such as changes in their symptoms, challenges they faced in school, work, and marriage, and aspects of the medical and welfare systems they wished to see improved. A common experience among many was bullying during elementary school, with some being mocked or even having had stones thrown at them. In daily life, climbing stairs was described as one of the biggest challenges, with one individual expressing that "the world changes after climbing just two steps." Additionally, many spoke about bone deformities and surgeries. When one leg is paralyzed, the other bears extra stress that can lead to bone deformities during childhood growth spurts. Several interviewees had undergone corrective surgeries and reflected on whether these invasive procedures improved their conditions or, in some cases, made it worse. Some participants shared childhood photographs, reminiscing on the friends they made, memorable teachers, and the places they traveled. At the end of the interviews, the survivors recorded video messages expressing support for those working to eradicate polio.

Photos taken by Mr. Seiya Yamada, cameraman in Nagasaki

The following day, we had lunch with two polio survivors who shared memories of attending special-needs schools during childhood. As the conversation progressed, they recalled the names of old friends and teachers, bringing past events vividly back to life. One particularly moving moment occurred when a participant, now in a wheelchair, spoke about balancing caregiving responsibilities for both their children and aging parents. They tearfully expressed regret, saying, "How many times have I wished I could move more freely..."

We then visited another polio survivor at their home for an interview. Despite experiencing leg paralysis as a child, the survivor remained active and even climbed ladders. They shared an interesting story about how, in the past, crutches were not readily available and had to be handmade. Wooden crutches made from bamboo were particularly slippery in the rain, so they opted for other types of wood. Finally, we discussed the concept of "ikigai" (purpose in life). The survivor emphasized that for individuals with illnesses or disabilities, engaging with others and having young people listen to their stories, recognize their challenges, and take action toward solutions provide them with a sense of purpose and hope.

Our trip concluded with a meeting with Mr. Ishizaka, Governor of Rotary International District 2740 for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 terms, and Mr. Yoshioka, Chair of the Rotary Foundation Committee for the 2025-26 term, both from Nagasaki Prefecture, to discuss the future development of Project Echo. They shared Rotary’s long-standing commitment to polio eradication and we discussed potential areas for collaboration.

We sincerely thank all the interviewees, as well as Mr. Ishizaka and Mr. Yoshioka, for their valuable time and cooperation. We will continue our efforts to further develop this project and appreciate your ongoing support.