OSAKA―A 43-years old woman of Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture, whose disabled teenage daughter will participate in an international piano festival this week in Canada, recently published a book about raising the girl.
“Yasashisa ni Tsutsumarete” (Wrapped in Tenderness) tells the story of Noriko Matsutani’s 13-year-old daughter, Yuki, who was born with a left arm that ended just below the elbow.
When Yuki became interested in playing the piano at 5 years old, her mother was taken aback and told her that it seemed impossible.
However, Yuki refused to back down.
“You think I can’t play just because I have no left hand,” she countered.
While watching her daughter grow, Matsutani realized that some parents felt bad for their children because of the way others viewed their disabilities. But she felt that this was more a weakness of the parents than the children.
She spent three years writing about these views and the difficulties she faced handling both children care and the family business. She published the book at her own expense.
“I’ve been giving a lot of support by many people who have shared their personal experiences,” Matsutani said. “I want to be of help to others this time.”
Yuki will participate in the 2nd International Piano Festival in Vancouver for People with Disabilities that begins Wednesday. She also participated in the first competition.
“I hope people will enjoy the Japanese music and thet my playing willamake the audience smile,” she said. (232/6811)