Woman, 20, becomes first disabled person in Japan to complete silk weaving course

From The Yomiuri Shimbun in Japan:

A mentally disabled woman has become the first person with such a disability to complete a course in silk dyeing and weaving at a silk museum in Tsuwanocho, Shimane Prefecture.

Her 55-year-old mother completed the course at the same, which also was unique as no one of her age had taken the course before. Most trainees are women in their 20s.

Yumiko Sakai, 20, and her mother, Hitomi, from Sanda, Hyogo Prefecture, took the course at the Silk Dyeing and Weaving Center, a museum providing hands-on experience.

After joining the course in May 2006, Yumiko had to work long and hard to learn the skill needed to complete a roll of silk cloth as her graduation project.

"Yumiko and Hitomi have taught us the importance of being kind and patient," said Kimiko Itami, director of the center.

The museum offers a course for people who want to learn to make and dye textiles.
Trainees from around the country live in the town to take the one-year course.

Itami praised Hitomi, saying: "Anyone [of that age who] studies with much younger people must have a strong spirit. I admire her for being motivated and attentive to her daughter."

At first, Hitomi planned to take the course on her own, as her hobby is weaving. However, Yumiko decided to join the course after she was invited to do so by Itami during a visit to the museum.

While she was a bit unsure of what to do at first, Yumiko became more interested in the course when she saw her mother and other students applying themselves so diligently.

Even though she made mistakes, Yumiko was never discouraged. Hitomi supported her daughter throughout the course.

Their attitudes positively influenced other trainees. Gradually, the atmosphere among the students changed from one emphasizing individuality to a team-oriented one.

For their graduation presentation, each trainee is required to design colors and patterns and weave the silk into a 14- to 15 meter-long roll of cloth.

While it took Yumiko more time to complete her project than the other students, she finally produced a roll of cloth bearing checkered patterns and green lines on a light blue background.

"I'll keep doing this in the future," Yumiko said, while her mother added, "I would like to build an art studio for the two of us in our home."

"Even though I was the teacher of the course, Yumiko taught me the importance of diligence," Itami said. "I hope she will become an instructor so she can pass on her skills to other disabled people."