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TOGETHERNESS  PEACE CARING |
HIROKO KIMURA 1937 -
I love the earth,
I love people,
and I love myself.
I love people,
and I love myself.
Born
in 1937 in Manchuria (north eastern China) to Japanese parents, Hiroko
suffered from a high fever as a young infant. The fever eventually
passed but its effects were to stay with Hiroko for the rest for her
life. She was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, leaving her permanently
paralysed except for the toes of her left foot. Soon afterwards her
father was killed in the war, leaving Hiroko’s mother the main
responsibility of bringing her up.
When
Hiroko was just twelve, her beloved mother suddenly passed away. Hiroko
went to live with her grandmother in Hiroshima. It was during this time
that Hiroko made important steps in beginning to carve a new life out
for her self. First she learnt how to write with her toes, then she
took on the challenge of standing by herself. She finally achieved this
goal after much effort and perseverance. Inspired by these first
experiences of independence and a yearning to be self- supporting,
Hiroko then learnt how to knit, compose traditional Japanase
tanka and haiku poetry and to draw with her left foot.In 1965 Hiroko received a scholarship from the International Association of Foot and Mouth Painting Artists (AMFPA) and five years later she was admitted as a full member, thereby achieving her goal of independence.
During this time she continued to challenge herself in all areas of her life. She gave birth to a daughter, held exhibitions in Japan and overseas, wrote books and built training centres where people with disabilities could practice general life skills. Hiroko’s independent mindedness and spirit of adventure attracted many people around her.
In 1983, Hiroko opened an Inn called Tsuchi No Yado (Inn of the Earth) in Okinawa with facilities that are easy to use for everyone. People of all cultures, ages and abilities are welcome. Today, many people from all walks of life come to the Inn. Now an Australian branch of Tsuchi No Yado runs as a wheel chair friendly Bed and Breakfast in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. It was realized through the help of many of Hiroko’s friends, especially her adopted Australian parents, Phyllis and the late Max Jellie. Hiroko continues to travel, paint and to inspire those around her wherever she may be. Her latest project Manabiya, is a vision to encourage people with or without disabilities throughout the world to live together and mutually support each other for the enrichment of each other’s lives. The aim is to balance the present focus on skills training with a ‘heart to heart centred’ approach to ‘caring’. She hopes that through this documentary project the spirit of 'Tsuchi No Yado' and 'Manabiya' will be carried.
Today Hiroko lives in Okinawa on Ie-Jima with her family and continues to paint and travel extensively in Japan for exhibitions and for her activist activities for protecting the rights of people with disabilities and for speaking out on issues of American bases in Okinawa and peace in general.