Shin’ichi doing everything he can for a blind member.

After the final photo was taken, Shin’ichi said: “If there’s something you’d like to ask or voice an opinion about, please feel free to do so.”
An elderly woman raised her hand and called out, “Sensei!” She began to speak earnestly in Spanish. General Director Kishibe was standing next to Shin’ichi as the woman spoke, but he didn’t attempt to interpret her words after she had finished.

“What did she say?” Shin’ichi asked him.

Kishibe replied: “Oh, it’s nothing. She just wanted to thank you.”

“Nothing?” Shin’ichi said. “She was definitely saying something. Please tell me exactly what she said.”

Kishibe looked stunned. Kimio Yoshino, standing nearby, interpreted in his place. “It seems that she is blind,” he explained. “She said: ‘Thank you for this group photo session. I’m so happy to be able to hear your voice in person. I am blind, but I would really like to know what your face is like. I realise this may be asking a lot, but I would really like to touch your face, if possible.’”

Shin’ichi replied with a smile: “Of course! Please, come up here.” After a member led the woman up to the front, Shin’ichi took her hand and said to her: “Here I am.” The woman began to softly touch Shin’ichi’s face, tears falling from her sightless eyes.

“Thank you, Sensei. I can now die without any regrets.”

“Don’t say that!” Shin’ichi replied. “Please live a long, long time. You can enjoy another 30 years of life, I’m sure. Please promise me that you will, and become happier and happier.” A bright smile spread across the woman’s lined face.