TOMODACHI Alumni Highlight: Dan Ito, from USJC Annual Conference 2025
Dan Ito is an alumnus of the 2022 TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities Program. He started running his own business providing both individuals and companies / organizations with services to support second language acquisition as well as language coaching. He also offers Japanese and English translation / interpretation services and counseling services to those desiring to study abroad. He stayed in Utah, United States for 9 years to finish his degrees. He first pursued his associate’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship at Ensign College. He then transferred to Brigham Young University to finish his bachelor’s degree in English Language with minors in TESOL and Civic Engagement Leadership. Not only does he value his unique linguistic view and integrate it into the business, but he gets involved with several nonprofits and exercises his talents to enlighten the society.
Peace grows from understanding, and understanding starts with communication.
I’m Dan Ito, a TOMODACHI alumnus. Born with spinal muscular atrophy, doctors said I’d live only a year, but my passion burns strong, and I use my voice to promote peace in my own way. English is my tool to foster understanding and awareness of others. As a professional language instructor in Tokyo, I teach not just English but how to voice yourself by using the language. It’s moving when students tell me learning English broadened their perspectives and changed their lives.
In 2022, I joined the TOMODACHI Story Jam for Youth with Disabilities Program, where I learned to harness my voice by sharing my story. After the program, a fellow participant reached out to me saying that she wanted to be like me. She said that she had given up expressing herself, but seeing me actively voicing my opinion with my fluent English and confidence, she hoped to do the same. I told her, “If I can do it, you can too.” We became friends, and she came to trust me to give her advice. She now learns English from me to further her career to communicate confidently with foreign customers. She tells me that she never gives up anymore, and isn’t afraid to voice herself. She calls me her mentor, and it’s been a privilege being a part of her growth. This friendship has brought me to the realization that I can create peace by giving HOPE to others.
English allowed me to break down barriers to connect with others, and now I help others break down their own barriers and create a deeper understanding of one another, which is the key to peace.
Every voice is unique and valuable. Though my body continues to weaken, my voice stays strong. I’ll keep using my voice to expand my world, and I urge you to use yours, to connect, create understanding, and build peace through our people-to-people connections. Thank you.
This article was transformed from her speech script by Kazuhiro Osawa on October 22, 2025. Kaz is currently an intern with the TOMODACHI Alumni Leadership program.
