From hiding to showing off prosthetic limbs. Leading Japanese prosthetist, Fumio Usui, and prosthetic limb illustrator Makiko Sugawara discuss the sustainability of life and the future of technology.
Favorite Co., Ltd. Press release: September 11, 2025 To Members of the Press Prosthetic limbs are moving from being “hidden” to being “shown off.” Leading Japanese prosthetist and orthotic specialist Fumio Usui and prosthetic limb illustrator Makiko Sugawara discuss the future of sustainability in life and technology. Maintainable(R) is a
cross-disciplinary website that provides news on companies and research institutions that maintain the Earth in five categories: sustainability, circular economy, regeneration, maintenance, and lifestyle. NEWS has published an original feature-length interview (part 1 and 2) that follows the 20-year journey of Fumio Usui, a leading Japanese prosthetist and orthotist who is also well-known in the world of parasports, and Makiko Sugawara, an illustrator of prosthetic legs. The conversation between the two, who explain that “prosthetic legs are not ‘regeneration’ but partners in creating a ‘new you,'” unravels important contemporary themes such as diversity, inclusiveness, and well-being, and allows us to think about the sustainability of life.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-e10ea0cbc5c9c45a358dba3a1ad40a97-1575×2169.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-f152569a6c79c5f007d3dd8e2ed96e12-929×1280.jpg Mr. Sugawa is wearing wings and a butterfly fairy he drew himself. It exudes a new sense of presence, created by humans and artificial devices. (Photography by Takao Ochi) Article URL: [Part
1]https://maintainable.jp/editorspick/artificialleg1/03/09/2025/ [Part 2] https://maintainable.jp/editorspick/artificialleg2/08/09/2025/ “I want to wear the clothes I like.” That desire transformed medical equipment into art. Prosthetic limbs were once considered something to be hidden. Illustrator Makiko Sugawara’s earnest wish to “wear a silk dress even with a prosthetic limb” overturned that common sense. The person who accepted this sentiment was prosthetics and orthotics technician Fumio Usui, who has also been selected as a “Contemporary Master Craftsman.” This interview (Part 1) follows the journey from the time the two first met to the creation of the fashion show “Amputee Venus,” for which Sugawara designed the costumes and participated as a model. “Not just medical prosthetics, but creative tools that add color to life” – Usui’s philosophy and Sugawara’s artistic sensibility came together to transform prosthetic limbs into a tool for positive self-expression, a journey that is not to be missed.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-8a7c1906658e21e96adb79daff350e80-2000×1333.jpg Women wearing prosthetic legs have been boldly dubbed “Amputee Venus.” The “Amputee Venus Show” is a women’s fashion show where these women wear their prosthetic legs in a powerful and beautiful way, as part of their fashion. Sugawara also designed the costumes for this aggressive fashion show, and even appeared on stage as a model, receiving rave reviews from the large audience. (Photographed by Takao Ochi) Image
URL: https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-5af2317447efe8bec49985b857e0f026-735×1103.jpg Usui’s laboratory is packed with a wide variety of prosthetic limbs, from sports prosthetic limbs for para-athletes to stylish prosthetic limbs for women to enjoy as fashion.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-6b629cac1595be4968b082944fa34cb3-1575×2362.jpg From the sprint-specific sports prosthetics actually used at the Tokyo Paralympics to fashionable prosthetics that boldly incorporate photographer Mika Ninagawa’s flower photographs, today’s prosthetics offer new possibilities for people with amputated lower limbs. From Edo-period kabuki actors to 3D printers, the evolution and future of prosthetic limbs. In the second part, we explore the future of prosthetic limbs brought about by technological advances. The world of prosthetic limbs continues to evolve, with manufacturing using 3D printers and designs incorporating the art of renowned photographer Mika Ninagawa. However, Usui says, “Ultimately, what’s needed are ‘human hands’ and ‘sensitivities.'” The article also touches on the history of Japan’s oldest prosthetic limb and the Prosthetics and Orthotics Support Center, where Usui works, to explore the profound world of prosthetic limbs, where technology and craftsmanship intersect. What does Sugawara really mean when he says, “A prosthetic limb can become the wings of your life”?
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-b58c54832f74035f53e0eb1206337ba1-2362×1575.jpg 3D printers are now being used in the production of prosthetic limbs, and technology is evolving to allow for lightweight prosthetics and a variety of processing options. [Character profile]
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-d78b427e39226af1e49a108be40084f4-2362×1575.jpg Fumio Usui: Born in 1955. One of Japan’s leading prosthetists and orthotists. He was selected as a “Contemporary Master Craftsman” and awarded the Medal with Yellow Ribbon. He has been responsible for the manufacture of numerous prosthetic limbs for over 42 years, and many Paralympic athletes have adopted his prosthetic limbs.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/117884/6/117884-6-a88c0d463dee0bb3f8430f574cd14171-2362×1575.jpg Makiko Sugawa: Illustrator and visiting professor at Osaka University of Arts. As a prosthetic leg user, she designs costumes for the “Amputee Venus Show,” which showcases prosthetic legs as a fashion accessory, and also participates as a model. Her books include “Lady Amputee in Powder Room.” Read “Maintainable(R) NEWS” to gain insights into a sustainable future. Maintainable(R) NEWS is updated weekly with articles like this one that not only address environmental issues, but also question the sustainability of people’s lifestyles, work styles, and life itself. If you’d like to get hints on how to interpret the future, please sign up for our free email newsletter. ▼Click here to sign up for our free email newsletter
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Maintainable(R) NEWS] 『Maintainable(R)』 “NEWS” is an online media outlet that delivers cross-disciplinary news from companies and research institutes that maintain the Earth, focusing on five categories: “sustainable,” “circular economy,” “regeneration,” “maintenance,” and “lifestyle.” It provides content that not only addresses environmental issues, but also questions the sustainability of people’s lifestyles, work styles, and life itself. URL:
https://maintainable.jp/ [Contact for this matter] Maintainable(R) NEWS Editorial Department, Contact: Yasuo Matsumoto Email:
matsumoto@maintainable.jp ■Operating Company Company Name: Favorite Inc. Representative: Representative Director Ichiro Uchino Address: Sato Building 201, 2-36-10 Mukogaoka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0023 Established: April 1990 Business Description: Sustainable, recyclable, regenerative, and maintainable social design, creative activities, and consulting URL: https://fvrt.co.jp/