When Setsuko Inoue was 57 years old, she quit her job as a principal at an elementary school in Tokyo's Suginami Ward and served as a volunteer worker for a day-care center for physically and mentally disabled children in Nepal.

It may have seemed a big change for her family and friends, especially since Inoue never lived overseas, but the decision was natural for Inoue, who has taught in classes for physically and mentally disabled children throughout her career.

"I wanted to be more involved with children in the classroom," said Inoue, who is now 59. "But as an administrator, I no longer had that chance."