Naoko Taniguchi is a pioneer in bringing mentally handicapped individuals into the community. Thirty years ago, when she began volunteer activities, families still regarded the disabled as a source of shame. She says the situation is improving, "though there will be no major shift until companies hire disabled as general policy. That is the next step."
She is talking in Palette, the restaurant in Ebisu that she established in 1991. The two Sri Lankan cooks, Rohan and Ajith, have been working here for eight and five years, respectively. All the rest of the staff, barring the Japanese manager, are challenged.
Born in China -- her father was an engineer with the Manchurian railroad before the war -- Naoko was one of four daughters. "We came back to Japan in 1945. Being only 5, I remember very little."