Shinichi Satou


Location: Fukaya

Challenge: Hemiparesis

 

Shinichi Satou is drummer with Hemiparesis from Japan.

Shinichi says "I am 65 years old of the left Hemiparesis from a cerebral infection afer effects that developed in 2002."

He decided to take drum lessons 3 years ago, and he thought after his disability, his life was ruined and without much of an aim. He began to study drums thinking it would help with his hemiparesis, but thought it was not possible, as he thought he was runing out of time in ones` youth. But, Shinichi was determined not to give up.

Shinichi says "I think the drums are effective mentally for a physical disability because I feel uplifted each time I play."

At home he uses a Roland TD-4KP electronic drum kit, but where he takes his lessons has an acoustic kit he plays. He says he finds the electronic kit much easier to work with his challenges.

His favourite music is blues/jazz based from Herbie Hancock and Horace Silver.

He says "I always put the left foot on the hi-hat pedal and it stays closed." He alternates with the right hand between the hihat and the snare drum to play grooves. He adds "I want to be able play the same level as a physically unimpared person, but only using the right hand right foot."