Director Focus - Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, Kanagawa Training Centre

2022. 9. 28

News
Yoshiyuki in a suit, with a golden retriever in a harness.

Interview with Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, CEO of Japan Guide Dog Association and Director of Kanagawa Training Centre

How did you first get involved in the guide dog movement?

I first joined JGDA in 1997. I had volunteer experience in a eurythmics class for disabled children during college. I knew a guide dog user in our school, and another blind student joined our chorus club, so the guide dog field was familiar to me.
I started my career working in the public relations department at our Tokyo Head Office for about five years, but I wanted to learn more about hands-on work in the field, the dogs, and our clients, so I transferred to the Kanagawa Training Centre. I soon got certified as an orientation and mobility instructor and got involved in rehabilitation. In 2004, I was appointed Public Relations Manager and worked for seven years in PR activities. In 2012, I became the Director of Japan Guide Dog Centre “Fuji Harness” whelping and training facility of JGDA in Shizuoka. Then in 2016, I was appointed as the Director of Kanagawa Training Centre. I also hold the spot of CEO from 2020.

What do you like to do outside work?

I like singing in a chorus, which I haven’t been able to do for a while, and I enjoy running early in the morning. I run about 100km (62miles) total in a month. I also enjoy reading books and sharing thoughts about them with my son.

What is the feature of Kanagawa Training Centre?

A guide dog trainer waiting for a train to arrive on a subway station platform with a black Labrador retriever wearing a training coat and a harness.

The Centre is the leading base for JGDA, with the largest number of staff and dogs. It was established in 1997, near the city area in Yokohama, close to Tokyo. One of the most remarkable points is the convenience of training. There are shopping malls and underground market areas where we can train when it rains. Convenient access to several train stations around, makes it easy for our clients to visit us. We have no trouble gathering volunteers for our dogs, which is very important since they play a significant role in our business. It has a school for guide dog trainers, which plays a considerable role in developing professional staff.

What is the appealing point of Yokohama?

In Yokohama, our guide dog movement is well known, so guide dog users can access many stores in the city. We have developed trust with the residents and feel more accepted during the 25 years of training.

What is your message to people worldwide involved in the guide dog sector?

I want to know how you imagine life with a guide dog in Japan. Our country has a culture of taking off shoes when entering the house, and up until 30 years ago, pet dogs lived outdoors in ordinary Japanese households. However, the trend has changed, so dogs are kept indoors with their families, especially in the Tokyo metropolitan area. There are many unique Japanese innovations that I would like to introduce.

The Kanagawa Training Centre in Yokohama is very close to Tokyo, so when you visit Japan, please come and see us if you have time.