Who Is Mr. Jun?

My Life with Ataxia

I was diagnosed with SpinoCerebellar Ataxia Type 6 (SCA6) in 2021. This rare disease affects the cerebellum, a part of brain vital to coordination of body movement and balance. I have difficulty balancing, coordinating, speaking, and swallowing, as well as double vision and limb tremor. This is a slowly progressive disease. I walk with a cane now, but I learned that I might need a wheelchair in 10 - 15 years.

There were a lot of things I wanted to do "someday". But I realized that "someday" I won't be able to. That was when I stopped saying "someday" and decided that "someday" is now.

Here are some things that I have accomplished since the diagnosis.

I wanted to run the Giant Race "someday". 

I did it summer 2023. I walked, though.

I wanted to achieve the 1st degree of black belt in Kendo, a Japanese martial art "someday". 

In 2022, I passed the Kendo Promotion Exam and became a blackbelt. And I passed the Exam for 2 dan (2nd degree of black belt) in 2023. I'm currently training for the 3rd degree of black belt at my local Kendo Dojo.

I wanted to run a marathon "someday". 

I walked the Honolulu Marathon in December 2023. I finished the race in 9:46:20!

One of my dreams is to climb Mt. Fuji.

I was born and raised in Kobe, Japan. Mt. Fuji is the tallest mountain in Japan. The symbol of Japan is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. I always wanted to climb it "someday". I planned to climb it in July 2024, but it was canceled due to bad weather... I was disappointed, but I believe that the Mt. Fuji was telling me that I can still walk until next time.

I recently started writing a book about my challenges to inspire other people and raise awareness of this disease.

My story on NBC Bay Area Proud, Nichi Bei News, Tri-City Voice, (follow-up story on TCV), and Hawaii News Now.