Seeing the Unseen: From Despair to the Horizon of Hope
Guest Speaker: Mitsuhiro Iwamoto
Summary
In this 40-minute talk, Mitsuhiro "Hiro" Iwamoto shares his extraordinary journey from losing his sight at the age of sixteen to becoming the world’s first totally blind sailor to complete a non-stop Pacific Ocean crossing. With honesty and warmth, Hiro recounts the moment he almost gave up on life, the lessons learned from his failed 2013 crossing, and the triumph of his 2019 voyage from San Diego to Fukushima with his sighted partner, Doug. Drawing on his experiences at sea, navigating storms, mechanical failures, and the isolation of the open ocean, Hiro reveals universal lessons on resilience, trust, and the power of gratitude. He also introduces his next challenge: a 2027 solo Pacific crossing that will push the limits of what is thought possible. More than an adventure story, Hiro’s message is a call to face uncertainty with courage, to find light in darkness, and to believe in one’s unseen potential. His talk is a testament to how gratitude and determination can turn despair into a guiding star.
Profile of Mitsuhiro Iwamoto
Hiro Iwamoto is an inspirational keynote speaker and blind ocean adventurer whose life story embodies resilience, leadership, and gratitude. At sixteen, Hiro lost his sight completely, plunging him into a period of deep despair. Yet, through personal determination and the support of others, he rebuilt his life, becoming a competitive sailor, motivational speaker, and an advocate for mental well-being. In 2019, Hiro made history as the first totally blind sailor to complete a non-stop Pacific Ocean crossing, sailing 8,700 km from San Diego, USA, to Fukushima, Japan, in 55 days alongside his sailing partner, Doug. His achievement earned him prestigious honors including the Japanese Prime Minister’s Award and the Naomi Uemura Adventure Award. As the founder of the non-profit Global Arigato Project, Hiro promotes the transformative power of gratitude as a tool for overcoming adversity and fostering peace. His upcoming challenge, a 2027 solo Pacific crossing, aims to inspire millions by proving that limitations can be redefined. Hiro has been featured by international media including the BBC, Japan Times, and San Diego Union-Tribune, and speaks to audiences around the world on topics of resilience, hope, and courageous leadership.
*Please note that this meeting will start with housekeeping matters including the annual voting of elected officers and voting on two constitutional amendments, with immediate feedback of voting results
RSVP by October 7th 2025
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General Meeting Team
Director: Shigeko Nagaoka
Program Coordinator: Ko Iwata
Meeting Manager: Joan Rodgers Doi and Rina Jiang
Zoom and WA Support: Rina Jiang and Rumi Nagashima
