Annual
Reports
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2003
1.Activities
Yo Kano visited Bali, Indonesia
July 10: ICSB held a charity concert jointly with local organizations at the Gaya Fusion of Senses in Ubud, Bali. Yo Kano played and sang Jazz and Pops with popular local musicians in Bali. Silent auction was also organized. These events were organized to support people with disabilities in Bali. Children from the institute for the disabled, Senang Hati Places, were invited to the concert. Funds raised by the concert and the auction were donated to the Senang Hati Social Group. ,(pictures1),(pictures2),(pictures3),(pictures4),(pictures5),(pictures6),(pictures7),(pictures8)
Yo Kano visited Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
December 3: Press conference for the charity concert “Yo Kano Sings Love and Peace in Mongolia” was held at the national press conference center. Around 50 television and radio stations and other presses were present. Yo Kano, Executive Director of ICSB, expressed his appreciation and honor in holding this charity concert and shared his life long quest for music and volunteer activities. Representatives of the Ikh Huree Junior Chamber, a co-organizer, attended too. ,(pictures1),(pictures2),(pictures3)
December 4: Yo Kano visited the Mongolian special 29th school for the blind and deaf. He presented the art books with Braille explanations published by the Metropolitan Museum in New York. He also presented music instrument for children, and he and students played music together with the music instrument. In memory of Yo Kano’s visit, “Yo Kano Class” was created.,(pictures1),(pictures2),(pictures3),(pictures4),(pictures5),(pictures6),(pictures7)
December 4: Yo Kano visited the Mongolia Association of the Blind. He exchanged the views on visual impairment with the Director of the Association. He also played and had dialogue with the members of the Association. The director presented a Mongolian traditional music instrument “Horse-headed violin” (“Morin Huur” in Mongolian) to Yo Kano. ,(pictures1),(pictures2),(pictures3),(pictures4),(pictures5)
December 5: ICSB organized a charity concert “Yo Kano Sings Love and Peace in Mongolia” at the Mongol National Drama and Opera Theater in Ulaan Baatar jointly with the Ikh Huree Junior Chamber. The Mongolia National Traditional Performing Group welcomed Yo Kano with Mongolian traditional music played with the Horse-headed violins. Yo Kano played with the Mongolia National Jazz Band, Bayan Mongol. Some children and teachers of the 29th school and members of the Blind Association were invited to the concert. 500 sheets of the Theater were filled with audience. The funds raised were donated to the Mongolian Association of the Blind. ,(pictures1),(pictures2),(pictures3),(pictures4),(pictures5),(pictures6),(pictures7),(pictures8),(pictures9),(pictures10)
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, ICSB met the needs of many individuals in the U.S.A., Japan and Thailand through various activities. These activities include Braille translation; Braille music translation; and the provision of volunteers, such as attendants and translators, and information about new computer software and the latest devices for the visually impaired.
ICSB also prepared articles on the culture, life and music of the U.S.A. for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. The Braille Journal of the Tokyo Helen Keller Association published these articles. Nine series of “Letters from New York” were also published by the “Braille Daily” of Mainichi News Papers.
1.
Contributors [in an alphabetical order]
City Cafe
Eermel Co., Ltd.
Gaya Fusion of Senses
Juulchin
Ikh Huree Junior Chamber
Ikh Huraldai restaurant
Myanganii Zuuchi Newspaper
Odriin Newspaper
Onoodor Newspaper
Palace Hotel
Radio Station FM104
Radio Station FM107
Sian Computers
USB TV
Zuunii Medee Newspaper
Hatsue Ohkuma
Kaori Yasuoka
Kazue Saito
Russell Drew
Tomoko Seki
Anonymous Donation
2. Volunteers [in an alphabetical order]
Akemi
Hosokawa
Akiko Yamamoto
Asako Yamada
Ayush Gantulga
Ba Bayarsaikhan
Badam Lkhamsuren
Bill Acuster
Candice Barbarot
Cinzia Campaggi
Chimid Ochir
Chinbat Khishigt
Dalia Sakas
David Pinto
Dondovdorj Zoljargal
Duzee Otgonbaatar
Erny Saito
Etsuko Inada
Eva Rainforth
Gal-Erdene Tsolmon
Gaya Fusion of Senses
Hatsue Ohkuma
Hiroyuki Sakurai
Hiroji Suzuki
Hulan Lkhagvasuren
Jambaldorg Udval
Jay Bouton
John Pettigrew
Kaori Yasuoka
Kazuaki Inada
Kazuko Takahashi
Ken Hughes
Kimie Hiwatari
Kimie Iio
Makoto Sarata
Minoru Hosokawa
Motoyo Yamashita
Nobuko Azuma
Norie Sarata
Ray Peterson
Russell Drew
Sayanaa Lkhagvasuren
Solongo Gankhuyag
Sukhee Bayartsetseg
Taro Hori
Tsesen Purevodroj
Toshihito Yoshioka
Towner Galaher
Toyoaki Takahashi
Tumendemberel Ganhuayg
Yasushi Adachi
Yoshie Aiuchi
Yu Idertsogt
Bali
The Senang Hati Social Group:
A few good hearted people in Bali built a community center in Ubud where people with disabilities share their challenges and the joy of living. Senang Hati organizes various activities for the disabled to help them awake to their own abilities, build self-confidence and self-respect and enjoy lives.
Following the Ikh Huree’s introduction to the charity concert, Yo Kano spoke to the press that his life long quest and commitment were to encourage and serve people with disabilities, in particular the visually impaired, and children through his music and volunteer activities; cultural activities and music can touch people’s hearts at the deepest place and enable them to bring up their best positive potentials and hope; and he would like to visit as many countries as possible and encourage as many people as possible through his music.
Mongolian national 29th special school for the blind and deaf
Around 170 students (63 are blind) study and live at this boarding school. Ministry of Education provides the students with education, foods and accommodation free of charge. Yet, the school faces challenges, such as lack of canes for the blind students, insufficient study materials, etc.
Yo Kano was welcomed by the wonderful music played by blind students. In particular, a small blind boy played an accordion very skillfully and impressively. In reply, Yo Kano played “What a Wonderful World” and other songs and encouraged the students to have a great hope to become humanistic great musicians on the global stages in the future. After the heart-to-heart dialogue and exchange of music, the principle of the school, on the spot, created “Yo Kano Class” with five students.
The Mongolian Association of the Blind
Yo Kano and the Director of the Association had active discussions on the various issues related to the visual impairment as follows:
The Association was established in 1978. Currently there are 25 chapters nationwide with over 5,000 active memberships. Its main objectives are to protect the rights of the blind, to improve access to education, work, health and sports, to harness their talents, and to give opportunities to participate in more activities worldwide. The Association is managed by donations and support projects.
General Condition:
According to the 2002 survey, there were around 41,000 visually impaired in Mongolia. Since 1990, the government has reduced its support for the disabled significantly due to financial difficulties in Mongolia. Many visually impaired live in poor conditions without vocational skills and supports for independent living with small income of US$ 10 ? 17 per month.
Human Rights:
Despite the Constitution which allows all citizens to have rights to equal living and freedom, the visually impaired has very limited access to job and educational opportunities and participation in the society. For example, the election ballots are not printed in Braille and thus the visually impaired can vote only with the assistance of the sighted.
Education:
Eight % of the visually impaired has high or special education; 70 % has secondary and 22% has primary education or illiterate. The educational environment for the blind is poor without enough Braille textbooks, other necessary facilities such as vocational centers. This poor access to educational and training opportunities is the major restricting factor for the blind in integrating themselves into society.
Jobs:
Only 4 % of the blind has jobs. The blind engages in the production of housing equipment, sweepers, fabrics, bone-setting and music The regulatory system of Mongolia does not offer any supports and financial incentives, such as tax reduction, for creating institutions and companies that provide the blind with jobs.
Social Welfare:
The disabled are entitled to use public transportation free of charge, and families with two or more disabled enjoy 50% reduction in public utility fees, such as heating, water and sewage if they live in apartments. However, major transportation means are run by the private sector and only 6% of the disabled lives in apartments; thus the disabled enjoy little of these benefits.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2002
1.Activities
April 5: Yo Kano, Executive Director of ICSB, was invited to perform for the students of the Cheng Mai Blind School, Cheng Mai, Thailand. (Picture 1)
April 6: Yo Kano was invited to perform at the charity concert at the Cheng Mai University, organized by the Heart Hot Line Bangkok, Thailand. (Picture 2)
September 7: Yo Kano was invited to play at "Nakayoshi (friendship) Concert" at the Asunaro pre-school, Saitama, Japan. He also had a question and answer session with children and their parents about visual impairment and music. (Picture 3), (Picture 4)
September 17: Yo Kano was invited to give a concert and a speech on world peace for the students, their parents, and teachers at the Seisa International School, Kanagawa, Japan. (Picture 5)
September 25: Yo Kano was invited to perform with the Brass Band of Ichiba Junior High School at its Joint Jazz Concert, Yokohama, Japan. (Picture 6)
October 4: Yo Kano was invited to give a concert at Tokyo Soka High School, Kodaira, Tokyo. He also held a question and answer session on music and world peace with students. (Picture 7)
October 27: Yo Kano was invited, as a special guest, to perform at a commemorative event "Naturally Plus Festa 2002" at the Tokyo Bay NK Hall, Chiba, Japan. This event was organized by the Naturally Plus Co., Ltd. The ICSB exhibition was also organized to promote its activities and to raise funds to support its activities. (Picture 8), (Picture 9)
December 13: Yo Kano was invited, as a special guest, to play at a Christmas Charity Concert "I Love U" organized by "The U no Kai" at the Miyako Hotel Osaka, Japan. A part of funds raised at this event was donated to ICSB in support of its activities. "The U no Kai" is chaired by Ms. Ayako Koshino, one of the leading designers who pioneered the Japanese fashion industry. (Picture 10)
December 14: Yo Kano performed at a charity concert organized by the Truth Co., Ltd. in collaboration with other local volunteer groups at the Yamato Fuji Hall, Nara, Japan. This event was held in support of ICSB with a charity bazaar as a side event. A portion of funds raised was donated to a municipal center for the disabled. This charity concert was reported by the Nara Newspaper. (Picture 11), (Picture 12)
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, ICSB met the needs of many individuals in the U.S.A., Japan and Thailand through various activities. These activities include Braille translation; Braille music translation; and the provision of volunteers, such as attendants and translators, and information about new computer software and the latest devices for the visually impaired.
ICSB also prepared articles on the culture, life and music of the U.S.A. for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. The Braille Journal of the Tokyo Helen Keller Association published these articles.
2. Contributors [in an alphabetical order]
Akinori Uraguchi
Greenfield Charitable Foundation
Russell Drew
The U no Kai Osaka Headquarters
Truth Co., Ltd
Toshiko Kinoshita
Anonymous Donation
3. Volunteers [in an alphabetical order]
Akemi Hosokawa
Aki Fujikawa
Akiko Yamamoto
Asako Yamada
Ayako Toshikawa
Bill Acuster
Dalia Sakas
David Pinto
Erny Saito
Erika Masuda
Etsuko Inada
Eva Rainforth
Fusako Ishii
Hatsue Okuma
Hatsuyo Yamashita
Hideko Ninagawa
Hiroyuki Sakurai
Hiroji Suzuki
Ichiko Yamamura
If Kikaku
Kaori Yasuoka
Kazuaki Inada
Kazuhiro Ninagawa
Kazuko Chaiyadhiroj
Kazuko Takahashi
Ken Hughes
Kimie Hiwatari
Makoto Sarata
Masato Terasaka
Minoru Hosokawa
Motoyo Yamashita
Matsuko Sakaguchi
Nobuko Azuma
Norie Sarata
Ray Peterson
Russell Drew
Shigemi Seri
Shin-ichi Iwata
Tadashi Matsumoto
Taro Hori
Toshihito Yoshioka
Towner Galaher
Toyoaki Takahashi
Yasushi Adachi
Yoshie Aiuchi
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2001
1.Activities
March 4:Yo Kano, Executive Director of ICSB, was invited to perform at the "Volunteer Station 2001" held in Kawaguchi city in Saitama prefecture in Japan. This event was sponsored by the volunteer group "Peace Factory Kawaguchi" and supported by many organizations, such as Japan Red Cross, Disability Support Office and other volunteer groups. This event, a fund-raiser for support services for children and disabled persons, consisted of a music performance, a lecture and bazaar. (Picture 1)
April 5 and 6:Yo Kano was invited to perform at the charity concerts held in commemoration of the opening of Heart Hot Line (crisis line), Bangkok, Thailand. (Picture 2)
September 10:Yo Kano was invited to present a concert in celebration of the opening of coffee shop Oasis on the premises of Akatsuki.Akatsuki is an institution which accommodates more than 200 people with mental disabilities in Kodaira, Tokyo. Oasis is run by the volunteer group “Heart-pia”. (Picture 3)
September 14:Yo Kano was invited to organize a concert and hold an exchange dialogue with the students of Meisho Elementary School, Setagaya, Tokyo on the subjects of visual impairment and the importance of creating a barrier-free society.
September 29:Yo Kano performed with the Brass Band of Ichiba Junior High School, Yokohama, at the Joint Jazz Concert with Yo Kano.
September 30: Yo Kano gave a lecture in Aki, Kochi on the topic of "Creating cities where people can live cooperatively: A comparison of the idea barrier-free in Japan and America." (Picture 4)
October 3: Yo Kano was invited to give a concert on the theme of "Love, Hope and Music for You" at Ojiro Junior High School, Mikata, Hyogo. (Picture 5)
November 16: Yo Kano was invited to give a concert as well as a speech on the subject of visual impairment and the importance of a barrier-free society at Kansai Soka Elementary School, Katano, Osaka. (Picture 6)
November 17: Yo Kano was invited to give a concert as well as speak on the subject of visual impairment and the importance of a barrier-free society at Kansai Soka Junior and Senior High Schools, Katano, Osaka. (Picture 7-1) (Picture 7-2)
December 12, 13, 14: Yo Kano was invited to perform at the charity concert organized by the Heart Hot Line Bangkok, Thailand. (Picture 8)
December 15: Yo Kano conducted a seminar entitled "The importance of a barrier-free mind". Yo Kano played a concert at the Bangkok School for the Blind. (Picture 9-1) (Picture 9-2)
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, the ICSB met the needs of many individuals in the U.S.A., Japan and Thailand through various activities. These activities include Braille translation; Braille music translation; and the provision of volunteers, such as attendants and translators, and information about new computer software and the latest devices for the visually impaired.
ICSB also prepared articles on the culture, life and music of the U.S.A. for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. The Braille Journal of the Tokyo Helen Keller Association published these articles.
2. List of contributors
Greenfield Charitable Foundation
Space Lab.
Russell Drew
Erny Saito
Kimiyuki Sano
Taeko Nakanishi
Shigeko Tachibana
Nobuko Azuma
Asako Yamada
Kazuko Chaiy
3.List of volunteers
If Kikaku
Yasushi Adachi
Erny Saito
Yoshie Aiuchi
Hatsue Okuma
Hiro Sakurai
Hiroji Suzuki
Makoto Sarata
Norie Sarata
Kazuko Chaiyadhiroj
Erika Masuda
Minoru Hosokawa
Akemi Hosokawa
Asako Yamada
Motoyo Yamashita
Akiko Yamamoto
Toshihito Yoshioka
Kaori Yasuoka
Dalia Sakas
Russell Drew
Eva Rainforth
Bill Acuster
Ken Hughes
Towner Galaher
Ray Peterson
David Pinto
REPORT FOR THE YEAR
2000
1. Activity
ICSB prepared articles on the culture, life and music of the U.S.A. for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. The Braille Journal of the Tokyo Helen Keller Association published these articles.
Yo Kano, Executive Director of the ICSB, conducted computer music workshops in the U.S.A., Japan and Thailand. He introduced a popular computer music software "Cakewalk". He also introduced "Cake Talking" which enables visually impaired persons to use "Cakewalk". "Cake Talking" was developed by Professor David Pinto of the Southern California Conservatory of Music.
March Assisted Professor Pinto in demonstrating "Cake Talking" at the California State University of Northridge Convention (C.S.U.N.)
June Organized a workshop at the Japan Braille Library in Tokyo (Picture 1)
September Organized a workshop at the Thai Association for the Blind in Bangkok
Yo Kano promoted the awareness of visual impairment among the youth through music and dialogue.
October Was invited to give a concert, "Yo Kano Family Concert", for children and parents in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. This concert was sponsored by the Board of Education of Nakatsugawa City. Subsequently to the concert, he had a question and answer session with children about his life experiences and blindness. (Pictures 2 and 3)
December Was invited to give a concert and speech for the students, teachers and parents at the Seisa International School in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. (Picture 4)
Yo Kano gave his support to the "Bangkok Denwa Sodan", which was established in 2000. Its umbrella organization is the "Inochi no Denwa" founded 30 years ago in Japan.
September Performed at the charity concert for the "Bangkok Denwa Sodan". (Picture 5)
December Was invited to give a lecture for the volunteers of the ”Bangkok Denwa Sodan” on his experience as the visually impaired and how to find true self.
In addition to the above-mentioned activities, the ICSB met the needs of many individuals in the U.S.A., Japan and Thailand. These activities include Braille translation; Braille music translation; and the provision of volunteers, such as attendants and translators, and information about new computer software and the latest devices for the visually impaired.
2. List of contributors
Greenfield Charitable
Foundation
Erny Saito
Kiyoshi Ashizawa
Terue Ashizawa
Choji Ohkuma
Emiko Ohkuma
Hatsue Ohkuma
Kazuko Chaiyadhiroj
Hiroshi Kimura
Sachiko Tachibana
Shigeko Tachibana
Kyoko Nakajo
Kumiko Harada
Taro Hori
Asako Mori
3. List of volunteers
If Kikaku
Yasushi Adachi
Erny Saito
Yoshie Aiuchi
Hatsue Ohkuma
Yukimi Kakuno
Yoshimitsu Kakuno
Hiro Sakurai
Hiroji Suzuki
Makoto Sarata
Norie Sarata
Kazuko Chaiyadhiroj
Keng Chaiyadhiroj
Tamayo Nagano
Hisako Fukumoto
Minoru Hosokawa
Akemi Hosokawa
Asako Yamada
Motoyo Yamashita
Akiko Yamamoto
Toshihito Yoshioka
Kaori Yasuoka
Dalia Sakas
Russell Drew
Eva Rainforth
Bill Acuster
Ken Hughes
Towner Galaher
Toshiko Aungsuvan
REPORT FOR THE YEAR
1999
1. Activity report
ICSB prepared articles for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association about new software and the latest devices for the visually-impaired which were published by Braille Science Magazine.
ICSB offered bi-monthly articles about the cultural life and the music scene in the United States to the Tokyo Helen Keller Association which were published by the Braille Journal.
ICSB assisted Noriko Kishida in her research trip to New York by providing her with sighted guides and interpreters. ICSB arranged her visit to Lighthouse International for information on the latest developments in employment opportunities for the viually-impaired. A dialogue was set up for Ms. Kishida with teachers and students of a New York City public elementary school for discussion of issues relating to visual impairment.
ICSB assisted in arranging a conference for ten women of the Hamamatsu Women's Organization. Topics discussed at the conference included Movement toward a Barrier-free Society for the Disabled and Actual Resulting Progress of the American for Disabilities Acts. Speakers include Ms. Rose Marie McCaffrey, Dr. Leslie Jones and Yo Kano.
Yo Kano, director of ICSB, was invited to Bangkok, Thailand to present a workshop on Computer Music Sequencing for the Visually-Impaired at Ratchasuda College at Mahidol University. He also performed in a concert that was organized by the Thai Association for the Blind.
ICSB has met the needs of many individuals in the United States and Japan this last year through technological, educational, rehabilitation and leisure information.
2. List of contributors
Greenfield Charitable
Foundation
Russell Drew
Hamamatsu Women's Organization
3. List of volunteers
Yasushi Adachi
Toshiko Aungsuvan
Kazuko Chaiyadhiroj
Keng Chaiyadhiroj
Sinja Cho
Russell Drew
Yukimi Kakuno
Miki Kimura
Yoshi Kimura
Yuko Kubota
Eva Rainforth
Dalia Sakas
Makoto Sarata
Norie Sarata
Gennaro Striano
Asako Yamada
Michiko Yamaguchi
Akiko Yamamoto
Motoyo Yamashita
Kaori Yasuoka
ICSB is deeply grateful for
its contributors and volunteers.
We will continue to expand our services to further meet the needs
of the visually-impaired population.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1998
1. Activity report
ICSB prepared articles for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association about new software and the latest devices for the visually-impaired. Published by Braille Science Magazine.
ICSB offered bi-monthly articles about the cultural life and the music scene in the United States to the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. Published by the Braille Journal.
ICSB produced a bi-weekly talk show about current events for the tape magazine NEWS PLUS published by the Tokyo Helen Keller Association.
ICSB participated in the charity concert for Mariko Miyagi and children of Nemunoki Gakuen in Japan. The concert was held in Tokyo in Septenber, in Yokohama in Decenber.
ICSB has established its own web site (http://www.icsb.net/) which can be a computer link to the visually-impaired and an aid to expanding our services globally.
ICSB has met the needs of more than fifty individuals in the United States and Japan this last year through technological, educational, rehabilitation and leisure information.
2. List of contributors
Greenfield Charitable
Foundation
Russell Drew
Asako Yamada
3. List of volunteers
Dalia Sakas
Eva Rainforth
Russell Drew
Asako Yamada
Akiko Yamamoto
Makoto Sarata
Norie Sarata
Yasushi Adachi
Yoshi Kimura
Miki Kimura
ICSB is deeply grateful for
its contributors and volunteers.
We will continue to expand our services to
further meet the needs of the visually-impaired population.
REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1997
1. Activity report
ICSB prepared articles for the Tokyo Helen Keller Association about new software and the latest devices for the visually-impaired. Published by Braille Science Magazine.
ICSB offered bi-monthly articles about the cultural life and the music scene in the United States to the Tokyo Helen Keller Association. Published by the Braille Journal.
ICSB produced a bi-weekly talk show about current events for the tape magazine NEWS PLUS published by the Tokyo Helen Keller Association.
ICSB participated in the charity concert for Industries for the Blind - WITH (Hamamatsu City, Japan) in March.
ICSB was featured along with WITH in a Japanese television documentary last March.
ICSB has established its own web site (http://www.icsb.net/) which can be a computer link to the visually-impaired and an aid to expanding our services globally.
ICSB has met the needs of more than twenty individuals in the United States and Japan this last year through technological, educational, rehabilitation and leisure information.
2. List of contributors
Greenfield Charitable
Foundation
Global Music
Takashi Ohmori
Kimie Fukuda
Asako Yamada
Chiaki Shiba
3. List of volunteers
Dalia Sakas
Eva Rainforth
Russell Drew
Asako Yamada
Kimie Fukuda
Akiko Yamamoto
Makoto Sarata
Norie Sarata
Yasushi Adachi
Yoshi Kimura
Miki Kimura
ICSB is deeply grateful for
its contributors and volunteers.
We will continue to expand our services to further meet the needs
of the visually-impaired population.
