CONCEPT
What is LIFE IS 1CREDIT?
Life is only once — “LIFE IS 1CREDIT”
This is a project by ePARA employee Jeni (Shunya Hatakeyama), who lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Despite losing most of his physical functions, he takes on challenges of participating in both domestic and international fighting game tournaments using a self-made controller operated with his jaw. Beyond competition, he works to promote barrier-free eSports through community event production, accessibility device development support, lectures, and more.
PROJECT
Case Studies
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HACHIMANTAI 8 FIGHTS
A barrier-free eSports event held in Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture, where “anyone can participate.” With the goal of supporting the activities of people with disabilities and contributing to local revitalization in Hachimantai, this event spreads the message of “a society where we can challenge together” from the Tohoku region.
Why we created “HACHIMANTAI 8 FIGHTS” — To a place where the first step reaches.
01Participating in the Fighting Game Tournament “EVO”
In July 2024, Jeni participated in “EVO 2024,” the world’s largest fighting game tournament held in the U.S., and placed tied for 257th out of 5,300 participants. In order to make this real, he had achieved his crowdfunding goal to prepare for his trip.Later, he also showed strong results at “EVO Japan,” and continues to pursue his challenge.
Jeni competed at “EVO 2024” in the U.S. and placed tied for 257th out of 5,300 participants.
02OGAL FIGHTING GAMERS DAY
A free eSports community event regularly held at OGAL Plaza in Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture. The event creates opportunities for the gaming community in the Tohoku region to connect, welcoming both experienced gamers and local children, regardless of disability.
03Supporting Accessibility Device Development
Jeni participated in the advance trial of the PlayStation®5 “Access™ Controller,” released worldwide by Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) on December 6, 2023. The experience was widely covered by media outlets. In addition, at “EVO Japan 2024” side events and “HACHIMANTAI 8 FIGHTS,” we held trial sessions where participants could try various accessibility devices, including the “Access™ Controller.”
04Talk Shows and Lectures
Jeni has appeared at various events, such as the “H.C.R. International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition & Forum” and lectures in his hometown of Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture. He shares insights on game accessibility, barrier-free eSports initiatives, his own experiences, and the dreams he is currently pursuing — all with the aim of creating a society where everyone can challenge their own dreams.
05Yogibo-TANZAQ Project
TANZAQ is a project sponsored by Yogibo, aiming to tackle ongoing social issues together. The “Yogibo Neck Pillow Logo” is an essential item Jeni uses during tournaments and travel. It is not only a supportive tool but also a symbolic item that fuels his challenges. Empowered by various forms of support, Jeni will continue to take on new challenges.
Media
Media Coverage
Jeni and Kato appeared on NHK E-TV’s “Choetsu Happiness.”
2025.06.13
Web media “Sasutomo” (formerly “Yahoo! JAPAN SDGs”) published an article covering Jeni’s challenge at EVO.
2024.12.25
“soar,” a media platform that captures and shares moments when human potential expands, featured an article tracing Jeni’s journey from childhood to the present.
2024.10.30
An interview with Jeni (Hatakeyama) was published in the Tokyo Shimbun morning edition, in “Kochira Tokuhobu” section.
2024.06.23