Recently, our Japanese distributor, A&A Co. Ltd., sponsored the “ PANDA MAKE the LINE 150km in IWATE” event in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture in Japan to help promote public awareness for those who are physically disabled. The event was hosted by Ramp Up Iwate, a Japanese organization dedicated to helping people with physical disabilities, in collaboration with HandBike Japan.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Kiyoaki Honma riding the A&A Co. and Vectorworks handbike.

Kiyoaki Honma, a Morioka City-native, traveled from the coast of Kuji City to the inland area of Morioka City by  handbike within three days, totaling a distance of more than 150 km (93.2 mi). The handbike displayed the A&A Co. and Vectorworks logos and was designed in Vectorworks software by Eiji Shibata, co-founder of HandBike Japan. Handbikes are designed much like bicycles, but they have three wheels and are powered by the arms rather than the legs, making it easier for those with upper-body mobility to ride.

Honma completed the course with local newspaper reporters and Iwate Prefecture’s Governor, Takuya Tasso, waiting to greet him as he crossed the finish line.

“This event has played a part in the recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake,” said Shige Shiozawa, sales promotion department manager at A&A Co. “It has also contributed to better communication and strengthened the bonds between people in the area.”

Participants gather for the “PANDA MAKE the LINE 150km in IWATE” event.