New Book "Developmental Disabilities Are the Strongest Skill" (Gakken) by Former Reconstruction Agency Health Manager Yasuhiro Kume to be Released on July 2 (Thu)! Over 900 Public Schools in Three Hokuriku Prefectures to Receive Donations!

Written by a person with developmental disabilities and a doctor who sees 10,000 patients annually, this book aims to provide a catalyst for those struggling to succeed in society.

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An initiative to deliver books and lecture videos to schools supporting children with developmental disabilities and those in the "gray zone."

Yasuhiro Kume, a psychiatrist and industrial physician, and director of Kumenta Clinic, will release his new book, "Developmental Disabilities Are the Strongest Skill: For Those Who Think They Might Have Developmental Disabilities or Be in the Gray Zone and Want to Succeed" (Gakken) on July 2, 2026. In conjunction with this release, it has been decided that over 900 public schools in the three Hokuriku prefectures will receive a donation of this book. This applies to public elementary, junior high, high schools, and special needs schools in Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures, as well as their respective boards of education. The book also includes a QR code that allows viewers to watch videos of the developmental support lectures held at the Hokuriku Reconstruction Children's Music Caravan & Developmental Support Lecture (hereinafter referred to as the "Hokuriku Reconstruction Support Event"). Through the book and lecture videos, we aim to promote understanding of children with developmental disabilities and those in the gray zone in school settings.

Reason for donating to all public schools in the three Hokuriku prefectures

Children with characteristics of developmental disabilities or those in the gray zone often face various challenges in school life, such as frequently forgetting things, difficulty concentrating in class, experiencing strong anxiety due to changes in plans, struggling with interpersonal relationships, and becoming easily fatigued due to sensory hypersensitivity. However, these are not simply due to a lack of effort or selfishness, but can arise from differences in how their brains function from birth.

On the other hand, the characteristics of developmental disabilities can be transformed into strengths such as drive, creativity, concentration, observation skills, sincerity, and crisis detection abilities, depending on the environment and level of understanding. A large-scale survey by the Japan Pediatric Society found that less than 10% of teachers feel that collaboration with medical professionals is functioning effectively. (Based on a web survey on "Collaboration between Education and Medicine" targeting teachers of elementary, junior high, and special needs schools. Conducted in 2024 by members of the Pediatric Medical Committee of the Japan Pediatric Society.)

This book organizes the characteristics of developmental disabilities not just as "inabilities," but from the perspective of "how they can be utilized in society."

Since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the Hokuriku region has experienced various burdens on children's living environments, school settings, and local communities. We believe that it is meaningful to deliver knowledge to school settings to understand and support the characteristics of each child, especially during this time. We hope that the donation of this book will serve as a helpful resource for teachers, support staff, parents, and children themselves to deepen their understanding of developmental disabilities.

Includes QR code to watch lecture videos

The book includes a QR code that allows viewers to watch videos of the developmental support lectures held at the Hokuriku Reconstruction Support Event. The lectures are planned to cover specific ways of interacting with children with developmental disabilities, common difficulties that arise in school settings, how to handle parental concerns, collaboration with medical professionals, and perspectives on preventing secondary disabilities.

By providing access to lecture videos in addition to reading the book, we aim to deliver a practical support resource that can be utilized in school settings. Please note that the videos may be removed from public access without prior notice.

About the book "Developmental Disabilities Are the Strongest Skill: For Those Who Think They Might Have Developmental Disabilities or Be in the Gray Zone and Want to Succeed"

This book is for individuals who suspect they may have developmental disabilities or be in the gray zone, those who support children and adults with developmental disabilities, and those who interact with individuals with these characteristics in schools or workplaces.

It views developmental disabilities not as "defects to be cured," but as innate brain differences, and provides concrete explanations on how to understand these characteristics, how to adjust the environment, and how to turn them into strengths.

Main contents include: - How developmental disabilities can become an asset in the workplace - How to leverage the drive, creativity, and problem-solving abilities of ADHD - How to leverage the concentration, focus, and crisis detection abilities of ASD - The potential of teams formed by individuals with ADHD and ASD - Concrete measures for everyday challenges such as lateness, forgetfulness, sleep issues, sensory hypersensitivity, and organization

The author, Yasuhiro Kume, himself has characteristics of both ADHD and ASD. Drawing from his experience as a psychiatrist who has worked with many individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as his own personal experience as a person with these characteristics, he has compiled practical methods for utilizing these traits in society, rather than letting them remain as "difficulties."

Endorsements

Endorsements for this book have been provided by Madoka Sawa and Katsuyuki Ikemoto.

Madoka Sawa

"As someone with ADHD, I received the greatest encouragement!"

Madoka Sawa

Representative Director, Enso Inc.

Full-time faculty member, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Musashino University

Katsuyuki Ikemoto

"I see! My own shortcomings can be my weapon!"

Katsuyuki Ikemoto Organizational Learning Management Consultant

Representative Director, Paja Pos Inc.

Representative Director, NPO Are You Happy? Japan

The endorsements from both individuals indicate that this book is more than just a medical explanation; it is a practical message for self-understanding, work styles, social participation, and support in educational settings for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Incorporates perspectives from both a person with developmental disabilities and a doctor.

Yasuhiro Kume

Director, Kumenta Clinic.

Former Health Manager, Reconstruction Agency.

Examines 10,000 patients annually as a psychiatrist and industrial physician.

Due to his characteristics of ADHD and ASD, he was consistently treated as an oddball and a problem child from childhood.

After obtaining his medical license, he expanded his activities to include psychiatric and industrial medical practice, industrial health, child developmental support, and educational support, creating new businesses almost every year.

Recognized for his efforts in measures against declining birthrate, he was selected as an Olympic torchbearer for the Tokyo Games.

Currently challenging himself to establish an elementary school, launching the "Elementary School Project in 10 Years" in 2025.

Engaged in educational research at Tokyo University of Education (Master's Program).

Works on Hokuriku reconstruction support as a former Health Manager for the Reconstruction Agency.

Yasuhiro Kume Instagram

Yasuhiro Kume X

Bibliographic Information

Title: Developmental Disabilities Are the Strongest Skill: For Those Who Think They Might Have Developmental Disabilities or Be in the Gray Zone and Want to Succeed Publisher: Gakken

Release Date: 2026/7/2

Language: Japanese

Book Length: 208 pages

ISBN-10: 4054071201

ISBN-13: 978-4054071209

Product Weight: 222 g

Dimensions: 12.8 x 1.4 x 18.8 cm

UNSPSC Code: 55101500 (Printed publications)

Amazon Product Page

Donation Overview

Recipients: Over 900 public schools in Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui prefectures Target: Public elementary, junior high, high schools, and special needs schools Donation Period: [Sequentially from early July] Donation Method: [Direct shipment from Gakken] Purpose: To promote teacher understanding of children with developmental disabilities and those in the gray zone, and to assist with support in school settings.

Crowdfunding campaign underway until today, June 30, for event preparation.

This event is part of the reconstruction support efforts following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. It aims to bring vitality and hope to children in the three Hokuriku prefectures (Ishikawa, Fukui, Toyama) through music and provide educational and cultural support.

Furthermore, it aims to create opportunities for music teachers to be active and for music teachers to network with each other through collaborative performances by professional musicians and local music teachers.

It also aims to address the lack of knowledge in educational settings regarding the support of children with developmental disabilities and contribute to the realization of smooth developmental support.

This event is a volunteer event that invites participants free of charge. A crowdfunding campaign is underway to raise funds for its execution.

Currently, the total amount raised is approximately 1.5 million yen, and the challenge continues towards the goal of 3 million yen.

The crowdfunding campaign will end today, June 30.

Crowdfunding Campaign Here

Hokuriku Reconstruction Support Event Overview

Event Name: Hokuriku Reconstruction Children's Music Caravan & Developmental Support Lecture

Organizer: Reconstruction Support Event Executive Committee

Supported by: Toyama Prefecture/Toyama City/Toyama City Board of Education/Ishikawa Prefecture/Kanazawa City/Fukui Prefecture/Sabae City/Sabae City Board of Education

Sponsors: "Let's Create an Elementary School in 10 Years" Project / Eisa Kako Co., Ltd.

URL: https://revival-event.com/

Target Audience: Music Caravan: Local elementary school students and their parents/guardians

Developmental Support Lecture: Local teachers (elementary, junior high, high school, special needs)

Fee: Free

Venue: July 30 (Thu) Toyama City Orato Hall (Main Hall)

July 31 (Fri) Kanazawa Art Hall

August 1 (Sat) Fukui Phoenix Plaza (Small Hall)

Time: Music Caravan: Doors open 13:00, Performance starts 13:30, Ends 15:00

Developmental Support Lecture: Doors open 16:30, Lecture starts 17:00, Ends 18:30

Reconstruction Support Event X

Reconstruction Support Event Instagram

"Let's Create an Elementary School in 10 Years" Project HP