Japanese Prosthetic Leg Pioneer Named Master Craftsman

From Jiji Press

November 6 2020

TOKYO – Fumio Usui, 65, was selected as a contemporary master craftsman after making prosthetic legs for athletes for the first time in Japan and giving support for more than 3,000 users. 

Since he was 28, Usui has devoted himself to the production and supply of artificial legs for not only athletes but women who want to wear short skirts and pregnant women.

 “Skills make up about 70 pct of my job and 30 pct is about coming face-to-face with other people,” Usui said.

He jumped into the business after seeing prosthetic legs for athletes made of carbon fiber during his honeymoon trip abroad. In 1991, he established an athletic club comprising members with their legs severed.

 Usui’s desire is to understand the feelings of people who need such artificial legs and make their dreams come true.