WheeLog, a general incorporated association, provides barrier-free information for people with mobility challenges, including those with disabilities and the elderly. We spoke with Ms. Oda, the representative director.

Please tell us what inspired you to start this organization.

At age 22, I was diagnosed with distal myopathy, a progressive muscle disease, and began using a wheelchair when I gave birth at age 26. Every summer, I wanted to take my son to the beach, but I assumed it was impossible with a wheelchair and always gave up. However, when my son was around 3 or 4 years old, I happened to look online and discovered a barrier-free beach. To my surprise, we were able to enjoy the beach even with the wheelchair. That moment made me realize how accessibility information could transform the world for wheelchair users. That’s when I began sharing accessibility information on my own. I first launched a YouTube channel called “Kurumaisu Walker,” or “Wheelchair Walker,” and uploaded weekly videos. But I soon felt the limits of what one could achieve alone. That led me to the idea of “The Accessibility Map Created by Everyone,” a platform where people could share accessibility information. Later, we received a grant from Google, which marked the beginning of WheeLog’s current activities.

What has been the most rewarding part of starting the organization, and what has been the greatest challenge?

What I have found most rewarding is the tremendous support we have received from so many people. I originally worked with a patient association, but I felt a strong need for an organization dedicated specifically to accessibility, which led me to establish this association. At first, my husband and I ran it alone, but we eventually became overwhelmed and I even ended up hospitalized. Even then, people around me helped in various ways, and I was truly moved by how our activities grew through the collective efforts of so many individuals. Now, I actively seek help from others to advance our work. I'm also deeply touched by users' words of, “It makes me happy to know my posts help someone.” Seeing someone who was once reluctant to go out connect with others through the app and actively engage in society made me realize the potential for wheelchair users to live fulfilling lives in the real world. The fact that collecting accessibility information can inspire meaningful behavioral change is truly irreplaceable.

On the other hand, the financial aspect has been one of our most steepest challenges. I established the general incorporated association and initially tried to operate solely on my personal savings without relying on donations, but it was not sustainable. Therefore, I recruited supporter members, and thanks to the support of those who helped, we were able to keep things afloat. While media coverage increased the app's visibility, the costs for the system maintenance also rose, making the expansion of supporters and corporate sponsors more critical than ever.

App development requires significant investment and isn't a one-time endeavor; it demands continuous updates. The more we hope to accomplish, the more development costs naturally add up. That's precisely why we want to pinpoint what wheelchair users and their communities truly need and build a system that benefits as many people as possible.

Furthermore, we are determined to maintain a system in which any wheelchair user and those around them can use the app at no cost and with complete peace of mind over the long-term, ensuring that economic disparities never create an information gap. Initially, I hesitated to ask for donations and couldn't bring myself to take action, but I was truly encouraged by people who offered support in their own way. In 2025, WheeLog was certified as a “Certified Non-Profit Organization” by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Looking forward, we plan to continue seeking corporate and individual sponsors and supporters to gather ongoing support.

Volunteers with Representative Director Oda at the center of the front row

As barrier-free spaces are becoming more common, is there an area that has particularly impressed you, and conversely, a place where you feel further accessibility improvements are needed?

When I visited Los Angeles, I was genuinely moved by what I saw. In the newly developed commercial district, there wasn’t a single step anywhere. I also took a tour of the stadium that will host the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, and its accessibility features were remarkable as well. Wheelchair seating was available in multiple locations on every floor, with acrylic panels that didn’t obstruct the view, the flexible seating arrangement allowed caregivers to enjoy the event together. Furthermore, power outlets were provided at the seats for those who rely on medical devices such as ventilators, which made it clear that wheelchair users had been thoroughly considered in the design.

On the other hand, the places where I feel accessibility still needs to be improved are small restaurants. I understand that installing permanent ramps at the entrance can be expensive, but even a simple portable ramp can make a huge difference. Some people might think, “We can just lift the wheelchair,” but my large electric wheelchair weighs nearly 200 kilograms, so lifting it manually is simply not possible.

How are the donations from FIT being used?

Donations from FIT are used to cover app renovation costs. Eight years have passed since the initial development of the WheeLog! app, and it has now grown to serve approximately 15,000 users annually. However, a major update has become necessary. To address this, we are using the donated funds—along with various grants and subsidies—to define the required specifications and carry out a full-scale overhaul of the app. In addition, the donations help support system operation costs, such as server expenses for daily app management, as well as marketing activities, including the creation of flyers and the organization of events to raise awareness of the app among wheelchair users and their supporters.

WheeLog! app

What kind of support can we provide?

The very first support you can provide is by simply “Using the Application”. You can download the app and explore the various features that are offered within. Additionally, you can even try uploading a photo of a restroom when you are heading out.

Additionally, you can also show your support by “Participating in the Events”. There will be numerous opportunities and events where everyone can interact with both wheelchair users and active individuals, such as wheelchair-friendly city walks and online exchanges which we strongly encourage everyone to partake in.

On top of that, since this app serves as an essential “information hub” for wheelchair users and is provided pro bono, your support in the form of “Donations” will be deeply appreciated.

Lastly, support can also be provided through “Training”. Thanks to the connections facilitated by FIT, we could deliver the “Wheelchair Experience Workshops” to a wider network of companies. Having been so well-received, we strongly encourage more companies to participate in these workshops to deepen their understanding of disabilities and the experiences of wheelchair users.

Wheelchair Experience Workshop

What kind of growth or expansion do you foresee for your activities?

A child with severe respiratory disabilities once journeyed to the 5th station of Mount Fuji and recorded the wheelchair-accessible route through our app. What began as a blank map has gradually been populated with barrier-free information and the heartfelt experiences of our users, allowing WheeLog! to grow into what we proudly call the “world’s warmest map”. And as we move forward, we remain committed to continually improving the app and expanding this valuable collection of shared knowledge.

To achieve this goal, the support of those who resonate with our mission is essential. Although the use of WheeLog! and user submissions have been increasing in Japan’s major cities, there is still more ground to cover in regional areas and abroad – especially in Asia and Africa. We hope to expand our effort globally, ensuring that barrier-free information is accessible to those who need it most.

In July 2025, I had the honor of representing Japan at an international SDGs conference held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. It was both a tremendous privilege and a profound encouragement to present WheeLog! as an initiative striving to create a society where “no one is left behind.”

Despite having disabilities, each of us can still play a crucial role in society. We aim to keep building that future together with everyone.

Representative Director Oda delivering a speech at the United Nations Headquarters

Lastly, could you share a message with our readers?

TThrough the support from FIT For Charity Run, I sincerely feel that our ties have deepened with individuals whom we previously only had a tenuous connection with. I am genuinely encouraged by the increasing interest in our work, regardless of the form that support takes, and I am extremely grateful for it. We will continue to broaden the reach of this initiative, striving toward a society where no one loses hope due to being in a wheelchair. Your continued support is sincerely appreciated.

General Incorporated Association WheeLog
https://wheelog.com/hp/