International Guide Dog Federation

Japan Guide Dog Association (JGDA) is a full member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) since 1997.

The 18th International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) Conference was held at Pacifico Yokohama, Japan, bringing together approximately 390 delegates from 27 countries and regions. This marked the return of an IGDF global event to Japan for the first time since 2014, when it was last held in Tokyo. Under the theme “Guiding Tomorrow,” the three-day programme comprised plenary sessions, workshops and panel discussions delivered by international guide dog experts, addressing key areas including training, welfare and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. For the first time, speakers were able to present in their own languages, enhancing accessibility for participants. The conference provided an important platform for the exchange of knowledge, the strengthening of international collaboration, and the advancement of a shared commitment to improving the lives of people with vision impairments.

The thirteenth IGDF Biennual Seminar was held over three days from May 10th to 12th, 2014 in Japan. 289 delegates from 23 countries, representing 68 organizations, gathered at Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The opening ceremony began with the Japanese traditional Taiko Drum performance, and the former IGDF chair, Jane Thornton declared the seminar open. During the three-day seminar, there were a total of 21 presentations: 6 plenary sessions and 15 workshops. At the DVD session, 10 short video clips introduced the state of guide dogs around the world, and at the poster session, 20 poster presentations were presented. There were many questions after each presentation – all of which led to great discussions. There were optional tours to JGDA training centers before and after the seminar, which provided further great opportunities for delegates to network.

Seishi has been a board member of JGDA since 2014, eagerly learning about the needs of people with vision impairment in Japanese society and the key factors in breeding, raising and training of high-quality guide dogs to meet and exceed the requirements of Japanese guide dog users.

Sam has been in the guide dog movement for more than 50 years and has worked with over 400 guide dog teams. He has contributed to the advancement and innovation of guide dog training technology, as well as the orientation and mobility technology for the vision-impaired. He is serving as the Senior Coordinator of JGDA.He has been one of about 30 assessors for IGDF since 1997, visiting guide dog schools around the world regularly. At the 2023 IGDF Conference in Vancouver, Sam received the Ken Lord Award, the award recognizing individuals who have contributed to the international guide dog movement for many years.The IGDF Ken Lord Award is the most prestigious honour within the international guide dog community, recognising an individual whose lifetime of service has exemplified outstanding commitment to the global guide dog movement. Named after Ken Lord—co‑founder of the International Guide Dog Federation and former CEO of the South African Guide Dog Association—the award reflects more than four decades of his leadership and dedication. We are proud that Sam Tawada was presented with this distinguished award at the IGDF Conference in Vancouver in 2023.

The quality of a guide dog depends, to a large extent, on inherited factors. Therefore the enhancement of breeding systems is crucial to ensuring candidate dogs that can become suitable guide dogs. 13 organizations in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan formed a network on guide dog breeding and organized a mutual cooperation system.