Designing a future which we can paint in our own colors,a future where we can walk our own path
We all walk along a path toward the future, each possessing our own different colors of individuality such as nationality, sex, age, physical characteristics, and ability. However, the various inconveniences and impairments that exist in society obstruct that path. We will design a new society that enables us to maximize our value by leveraging our own viewpoints, experiences, and sensibilities.
Barrier Value
Every person has his or her own shortcomings, weak points, and things that do not come easy. There are also those who have trauma or psychological complexes. However, those things should neither be overcome nor erased. What has been understood as "barriers" until now can be replaced by "strengths" and "value", depending on one's viewpoint and interaction with one another. By changing barriers into value, we will transform society.
Based on our corporate philosophy, “Barrier Value”, we transform barriers (disabilities) into value. As a child, I dreamed of walking, however, I was unable to realize that dream. I then began exploring what I could do, even if I could not walk. Over the course of that process, I found what I could do precisely because I could not walk and because I used a wheelchair.
We all have personal difficulties and areas we struggle with. We have all faced adversity in the past and developed complex feelings. While these may appear negative at first blush, they can be transformed into value. The differing viewpoints, experiences and sensibilities that we all have can turn into value and strength. Japan’s population is aging at a rate unseen in other countries. As Japan finds itself in a position to tackle challenges which other countries will also be facing one day, we should reinterpret these barriers as newfound value.
Just as craftsmanship is a prideworthy art of Japan, universal design can become a model that Japan plays a leading role in its promotion in the world. Facilities, products or service that are developed based on universal design are accessible, usable and convenient for all people regardless of nationality, age, gender or ability. We are designing the future of Japan and the world through universal design, based on our corporate philosophy, “Barrier Value”.
President and CEO: Toshiya Kakiuchi
2009
- Toshiya Kakiuchi and Takero Tamino founded "Value Added Network"
2010
- Received "the 11th Campus Venture Grand Prix Osaka Business Award"
- Established Mirairo Inc. in Kita-ku, Osaka
- Launched services for conducting survey and supervising facility design and renovation
2011
- Launched services for designing and producing accessibility maps
- Delivered wheelchairs through "Heart Chair Project" to the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake
- Launched provision of customer service training for improved communication with and treatment of customers including older persons and persons with disabilities
2012
- Head office moved to Yodogawa-ku, Osaka.-
2013
- Kakiuchi received "Everyone's Dream AWARD 3 Grand Prix"
- Started the Universal Manners Test
2014
- Tokyo branch office opened in Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Launched Mirairo Research
2015
- Received the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Diversity Management Selection 2015" award
- Fukuoka branch opened in Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
- Received the Osaka prefecture’s "Osaka Heartful Company" award
2016
- Kakiuchi published "Barrier Value " from Shincho-sha
- Released Bmaps (an application to share accessibility information of places)
2017
- Hiromi Kishida (lecturer at Mirairo) published "Mom, you can die if you want to" from Chichi Publishing
- Hiromi Kishida received the "International Soroptimist - East Kobe Clover Award"
- Launched Mirairo Connect
- Organized and held the Universal Manners Award 2017
- Received the "PRIDE Indicator 2017 Gold" award for promoting inclusion of sexual minorities
2018
- Awarded the "Japan Venture Awards 2018 Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Prize" by the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation.
- Received the "Zero Project Innovative Practice Award" by The Essl Foundation.
- Honored with the "Kansai Zaikai Seminar Special Prize" by the Kansai Economic Federation.
2019
- Launched digital disability ID "Mirairo ID".
- Relocated Tokyo branch office to Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo (Higashi-Gotanda area).
2020
- Opened "Mirairo House TOKYO" in Marui Kinshicho Store as a hub for promoting Diversity & Inclusion. (closed in March 2023).
- Selected as a promising startup by "J-Startup KANSAI" organized by the Kansai Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry.
2021
- Secured a total of 280 million yen through third-party allotment.
- Raised an additional 20 million yen through third-party allotment.
- Mirairo ID adopted by 123 railway operators nationwide.
- Launched the "Reasonable Accommodation Promotion Committee" in line with the revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities.
- Mirairo ID received the "Digital Society Promotion Award" by the Digital Agency.
2022
- In January, Mr. Toshiya Kakiuchi, President and CEO of Mirairo Inc., became the youngest recipient of the "Business Leader Award" by ZAIKAI Co., ltd.
- Mr. Kakiuchi also received the "Golden Egg Discovery Project 2021 Grand Prix" by KEIZAIKAI CO.,Ltd.
- Mr. Kakiuchi published "Finding Your Strengths" with KADOKAWA Corporation.
- Mirairo ID integrated with Bmaps, adding Bmaps features.
- Mirairo ID was awarded the "Good Design Award" by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion.
- Mirairo Inc. achieved the highest-rated Gold in the "PRIDE Index" by work with Pride for the sixth consecutive year.
2023
- Honored with the "Intellectual Property Meritorious Service Award - Patent Office Commissioner's Commendation" by the Japan Patent Office.
- Received the " Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award" at the "Japan Startup Awards 2023" by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
We provide training and lectures to promote Universal Manners. Participants learn the importance of and basic tips for communicating with others such as older persons, persons with disabilities, those who are using strollers, LGBTs and foreign nationals.
Research monitors with disabilities take part in our research through web questionnaires, mystery shopping, behavior observation surveys and interviews. With their cooperation, we find out the barriers they are facing and how we might solve them.
We design a space in which everyone can relax with peace of mind, regardless of their physical characteristics. The knowledge and expertise of universal design is applied to various types of buildings, such as workplace, commercial facilities, public facilities and schools.
We produce print materials and signage which convey the message to everyone, taking into account such factors as "readability", "easy to read" and "beauty". Through careful examination, we choose coloring and fonts that assist those with color vision deficiency or cataracts and produce designs that match their environment and circumstances.
We endeavor to remove barriers in communication for persons who have difficulty in hearing or speaking. Staff with sign language skills will provide support in various situations, such as facilitating communication between receptionists at shops or hospitals with customers with hearing difficulties.
We develop and operate "Mirairo ID", a digitalized disability certificate. It can be presented via smartphone, enhancing convenience, and promoting mobility for people with disabilities. Additionally, it offers features like coupons and ticket sales, making it a valuable tool for corporate promotions.
■Head office
EPO SHINOSAKA BUILDING 8th Floor
3-8-15 Nishi Nakajima, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka City,Osaka 532-0011, Japan
■Tokyo branch office
Nissei Gotanda ekimae Building 5th
Floor5-26-5, Higashigotanda, Shinagawa-ku,Tokyo 141-0022, Japan
■Fukuoka Branch
SUNLIFE 3rd Bulding 6th Floor
2-5-19 Hakataekihigashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-City,Fukuoka 812-0013, Japan
Copyright © Mirairo Inc. All Rights Reserved.