The paths we imagine for ourselves as children rarely unfold exactly as planned, but sometimes, they lead us somewhere even more meaningful.
For 30-year-old physiotherapist Yui Furuya, that path has led from Hiroshima to Fiji, where she is quietly making a difference in the lives of children with physical disabilities.
Born and raised in Hiroshima, Ms Furuya spent much of her childhood at her grandparents’ home while her parents worked full-time. Growing up surrounded by care and support, she believes, shaped the person she would later become.
“When I was little, I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant who could travel around the world,” she said.
“However, in high school, I realised my height wouldn’t meet the requirement, so I started rethinking my future path. My mother is a nurse, and during high school, I also taught swimming to children.”
Ms Furuya discovered she wanted a career that combined professional skills, human connection and the chance to support others in achieving their goals.
That realisation led her to physiotherapy.
Even then, her desire to stay connected to the wider world never faded. Using her own savings, she joined a one-month language program in Malta and later travelled to visit friends she had met overseas.
A defining moment came during university, when a professor introduced her to a graduate working as a JICA volunteer in Timor-Leste. She later joined a study tour there, an experience that would change her outlook entirely.
“The volunteers I met shared both the struggles and joys of their daily work.
“But their eyes were full of passion and purpose.”
From that point on, Ms Furuya focused on building skills she believed would be useful in developing countries, gaining experience in areas such as diabetes and respiratory rehabilitation, paediatric rehabilitation, and disability sports.
Years later, she found herself in Fiji, not only following the same path that once inspired her, but also coming full circle.
“Interestingly, just as I was once inspired by a study tour, I was able to host one myself in Fiji last March, inviting university students and professors from Hiroshima.
“I currently work as a physiotherapist at the Frank Hilton Organisation.
“Together with my colleagues, I help children with physical disabilities and their families improve their daily lives through rehabilitation.
“Some days I provide therapy at our center, and other days I visit children’s homes to support their families and explore small ways to improve their living environments.”
While she had five years of professional experience in Japan, Fiji offered something new, the chance to create, adapt and build from the ground up.
“Here, I sometimes get frustrated when things don’t go as planned.
“But when I feel that my efforts have made a difference, or that I’ve inspired someone even a little, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Living in Fiji has also come with challenges. Language barriers, cultural differences and moments of loneliness have tested her resilience, particularly as she found herself in the minority for the first time.
Yet it has been the encouragement from her Fijian friends that has left the deepest impact.
“As someone who tends to think negatively, their warm and unexpected words have truly touched my heart.
“They’ve helped me rise again many times.”
With just three months remaining before she returns to Japan, Ms Furuya remains focused on what lies ahead, continuing to work with her colleagues to strengthen paediatric rehabilitation services and improve children’s environments, even in small ways.
“Even small actions can lead to someone’s smile,” she said. “And that’s what matters most.”
After returning home, she plans to enter graduate school. But the lessons from Fiji will stay with her far longer.
“If there’s something you want to try, just go for it,” she said.
“No matter how old you are, now is always the youngest you’ll ever be. It’s better to try and regret than to regret not trying.”
30-year-old physiotherapist Yui Furuya doing her work. PICTURE: SUPPLIED
