Upon hearing the news of Professor Yoichi Sakakibara’s passing, I am filled with deep sorrow.

I was introduced to Professor Sakakibara by Professor Noboru Kobayashi, Professor Emeritus at the University of Tokyo and Honorary Director of the National Children’s Hospital, who pioneered the field of “Child Studies.”As we moved forward with our initiatives combining digital technology and early childhood education—including Digital Ehon—Professor Kobayashi told us, “I’ll help with anything, so please feel free to contact me anytime.” He provided us with strong support and guidance across a wide range of activities, including serving as a judge for the Digital Ehon Award.

When Dr. Kobayashi retired from active practice, he said, “You absolutely need someone in the medical field to support your work, so there’s a doctor I’d like to introduce you to,” and that’s how he connected me with Dr. Sakakibara. “Dr. Sakakibara will definitely support you,” he said.

Just as you said, Professor Yoichi Sakakibara has always responded to every inquiry with sincerity and warmth, and has been a tremendous source of support at every turning point in my work.

Dr. Sakakibara is a leading authority in the field of research and support for children with developmental disabilities, and through his numerous publications and activities, he has dedicated himself to deepening society’s understanding of these issues. What a source of comfort he must have been to children with developmental differences and their families.

I had been consulting with him on the Neurodiversity Project, and there were still so many things I wanted to do with him. He seemed to be doing just fine when I saw him five months ago…

Although he never told me this directly, when people around me said, “Professor Sakakibara often says, ‘I think I’m Mr. Ishido’s biggest fan in the world,’” I was so honored that my heart swelled with emotion.

We will never forget your warmth and your great strength. Professor Sakakibara, thank you so very much. Please rest in peace.