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HIGH HEEL PROJECT

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

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Visiting With the Prosthetist

Visiting With the Prosthetist

STORY 04

Mari Katayama & The Prosthetist

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

Visiting With
the Prosthetist

Kenji Fujiwara is the Nabtesco prosthetist who brought Katayama and ALLUX 2 together. They sit down together in Katayama’s studio to discuss their beliefs and aspirations for their work.

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

VISITOR

Kenji Fujiwara

Accessibility Innovations Company
Marketing & Sales Section
Prosthetist and Orthotist

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*As of January 1, 2023

No Hasty Decisions
About Something
So Personal

Katayama：I still remember the first time I tried on the ALLUX 2. It was like nothing I had ever experienced before — so comfortable and different from other prosthetic legs I had used. To be honest, I had been really skeptical about the microprocessor control. But from the first step, I was walking smoothly, and my doubts were gone. I remember thinking, “Everything about this is great!” But what impressed me equally was you saying, “But compatibility is the most essential thing. You should try other companies’ products before making a decision.” I was surprised that you were making no effort at all to try to sell me your company’s product. [laughs]

Fujiwara：Trying on a new prosthetic can be exciting because of the freshness and surprises it brings, making you want to decide immediately. But, after walking for a longer period of time, quite often people find that something doesn’t feel quite right. So I try not to put much stock into the first impression during a fitting. Prosthetics are something that you will be relying on every day, so it is important to take the time to test it out and choose one that fits your lifestyle. I want to respect the wearer’s selection process.

Katayama：The fact that you didn’t push me to take the ALLUX 2 actually made me feel that you are someone who I can trust. And in our many conversations after that, I’ve come to feel that you’re a very honest person, and above all, you have a way of explaining things that was very easy for me to understand. I am curious — when you talk to prosthetic leg wearers, what do you keep in mind?

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HIGH HEEL PROJECT

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Fujiwara：Well, everyone has a different way of expressing themselves. Strong or soft, heavy or light… each person has their own way of expressing their feelings even about the same thing. So I try to be aware of the kind of language a person is using and to adjust the conversation to that. You were very clear about your preferences and thoughts so you were easy for me to understand.

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

Katayama：Yes, that’s just the way I am. [laughs] Actually, it was the ALLUX 2 and meeting you that sparked my interest in prosthetics. That’s when I first started learning about them.

Fujiwara：Actually, I didn’t have to explain much about the ALLUX 2 to you. You had already studied a lot, and there wasn’t much that I needed to explain. Not only in studying, but also in things like walking on slopes or in high heels, which are not easy to do, you always approach challenges with a positive attitude, I think that is amazing.

Walking Confidently in
High Heels:
Goal and Aspiration

Katayama：Be honest. What was your first impression when you heard about the High Heel Project?

Fujiwara：I, along with my colleagues at Nabtesco, felt a strong accord with the idea of increasing the options available to prosthetic leg wearers, and we loved your willingness to take on that challenge. Especially because many first-time prosthetic leg wearers struggle with setting initial goals, we often get questions like “How far can others walk?” “How much can I do in them?” “What kind of work can I do in them?” I share stories about people who wear prosthetic legs and are active in society, but as a person with my original legs, there is a limit to what I can convey. Seeing you walking confidently with high heels could become a goal and an aspiration for many prosthetics users. It would give people motivation and feel more positive about walking.

Katayama：I think there used to be an atmosphere that people with disabilities should live modestly, especially in the past. I mean the idea that others should do things for them. It also seems to me that people with disabilities sometimes end up thinking, “Oh, I can’t do that” or “I shouldn’t do that.” Even in my own experience, I have faced many things that I cannot do or have had to give up.

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

That’s why I hope that, through people like me who are actively expressing themselves and speaking up, prosthetic leg wearers can realize that there are many options and possibilities available to them. Of course, the point isn’t that everyone should wear high heels. I want to eliminate the thought that they can’t wear them, so that it isn’t an excuse for giving up.

HIGH HEEL PROJECT

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HIGH HEEL PROJECT

Fujiwara：You are full of energy. I can’t wait to see what else you do in the future. I also hope to help strengthen the partnership that we have built for this project.

Katayama：Me too. I want to keep working together. If there’s anything I can do to help, like providing data or whatever, just let me know. I would love to participate in development discussions, as well. It would be a lot of fun to work with all of the unique people at the Konan Plant!

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