Director Focus - Tomohiro Sano, Japan Guide Dog Centre "Fuji Harness"

2022. 11. 29

News
Tomohiro at his desk.

Interview with Tomohiro Sano, Director of Japan Guide Dog Centre "Fuji Harness" 

Tomohiro will always welcome visitors with a smile.

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

My involvement in the guide dog business began in 2006 when Fuji Harness was established in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, my hometown. I have loved animals since childhood and was more interested in wild animals than domesticated animals. Working with animals was my goal for the future, so I studied animal husbandry at university and found my dream job at a zoo. There, I was in charge of breeding and sales promotion. Then I heard about the opening of a guide dog training centre in my hometown, and I decided to take on a new challenge. I was skeptical about using my experience and knowledge, but I made an effort. I started my career in the Promotion Department, where I worked to educate many people about guide dogs and visual impairment, etc. I then worked in the General Affairs Department before becoming the Director of Fuji Harness in 2015. Surrounded by many trusted colleagues, I enjoy my challenging and rewarding work.

What do you like to do outside work?

I have many hobbies, but currently, I spend my refreshing time fishing in the ocean. On weekends, I wake up early at 2:00 am, start fishing in the dark and enjoy it until around 7:00 am, just after dawn. I wake up without an alarm clock, concentrate on catching fish for a few hours, and before I know it, it is 7:00 am. When I can't catch any fish, I have a self-evaluation session about why I couldn't on the way home. It is hard for others to understand my hobby, and of course, especially my wife.

What is the feature of Fuji Harness?

JGDA established Fuji Harness in October 2006 as a comprehensive centre to care for guide dogs throughout their lives, from birth to retirement. Fuji Harness is a nickname, and its official name is Japan Guide Dog Centre. It has a significant feature as a training centre that people can visit anytime we are open to deepening their understanding of guide dogs and visual impairment. While continuing the concept from the time of construction planning, we have created a base for whelping, educational activities, and gently caring for retired guide dogs. We hope to continue to meet the needs of the visually impaired in the future.

What is the appealing point of Fujinomiya?

A Golden Retriever is sitting next to the welcome board of Fuji Harness and Mt. Fuji in the back.

Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, is the town's appealing point that we can boast about to the world. Mt. Fuji is beautiful in all seasons, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Fuji Harness is located at the western foot of Mt. Fuji and is rich in nature, with excellent air and water. There are also many distinctive local foods, and Fujinomiya is proud to be where you can enjoy both magnificent Mt. Fuji and the food.

We will keep up our good work in training with Mt. Fuji always on our back!

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

As I have explained, Fuji Harness is an open training centre you can visit almost any day. Signs in English are available for visitors from abroad. Although the centre is in a place that is difficult to reach by public transportation, we will welcome you with open arms. As a training centre with many unique features, we promise to continue to challenge change and evolve into a new world-class training centre.

Candle Night, the highlight event of the Fuji Harness winter season, is scheduled for Saturday, 17 December. The number of candles lit represents the number of working guide dogs in Japan. This year, 848 candles will be lit. Please come and join us to celebrate with beautiful candlelight.