Koichiro Kobayashi started climbing at the age of 16. He used to organise tours for people to enjoy outdoor sports. At the age of 28, he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa. But his diminishing eyesight did not deter him from continuing with adventure sports.

In September this year, he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa, with a group of disabled climbers from across the world. “I want people to know they can enjoy sports, despite their disabilities,” says rock-climber Kobayashi.

Kobayashi has set up a non-profit organisation to provide visually impaired people with opportunities to enjoy sports. It is called ‘Monkey Magic’, based on descriptions of Kobayashi moving ‘as fast as a monkey’ and his hope that disabled people can overcome any obstacle with magical ease. His organisation arranges events in which everyone can enjoy sports, including free rock climbing, both indoor and outdoor. He also holds classes for beginners.

According to Kobayashi, “visually impaired people can excel at rock climbing because they can feel their way up the wall with their hands, moving as slow or fast as they like.” They remain safe due to a secure safety line.