My Name Is Sano, Ami Sano

Meet Ami Sano…truly a great inspiration.

The 21-year-old Japanese girl was born in Aichi, Japan, without any arms and only one partially formed left foot with three toes which she uses to get by in her everyday life. She is determined to lead a normal life, refusing to look down on her handicapped body as an obstacle. Her passions are cheerleading and writing. Her joyful disposition is truly an inspiration.

Ami Sano

Now an office worker and motivational speaker, she was part of a cheerleading club at Toyokawa High School in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. She also works as an assistant at a local FM radio station and speaks at lectures. Filled with happiness and gratitude to be alive, she appreciates everything and everyone around her – immensely.

In the autumn of 2009, Sano published a memoir titled “Teashi-no-nai Cheerleader” (cheerleader without limbs) and released a poetry book titled “Akiramenaide” (don’t give up) in autumn last year.

She is  taking voice training lessons twice a week as she hopes to use her voice in a job as a professional narrator or MC in the future.

Ami Sano....limbless Japanese girl

“I want to climb the staircase of adulthood, step by step,” a smiling Sano said. Her mother, Hatsumi, said, “We had some difficult times, but I believe those experiences helped my daughter become a person with a kind heart. Twenty years sounds long, but it went by in a flash.”

Sano has just released an album with a music video. Her popularity has somewhat gained the interest of more people wanting to know more about the life of a young adult who had such a difficult time dealing with the social norms.

How Sano lives her life really teaches us lessons about living.  Though without limbs, she seems to have taken a hold of the whole world, living without complaints or making excuses about her situations.

Watch her music video below and be inspired:

 YouTube Preview Image

10 comments

  1. I wish it was in english or wrote in english like your is. I truly if there there are more I would
    like to please hope to here from some about my ? thank you
    bill

  2. Hi Ami my name is Bill
    How are things going with you? What I was trying say, I would like to hear more of your songs. But in English or wrote in English please. If you want you can Email AnyTime okydoky or ok hope to here from you soon.
    bye bill

  3. I do hope u get this massage. so i can sing along if it was in english. I am learning you way put i just dont understand what am SINGGING And yes i do have a slit spelling problem.
    Hope to here from you soon OK. BILL

  4. What an inspiring message.
    I have attempted a translation:

    LET’S KEEP WALKING
    – Sano Ami

    I want to walk, to run with both legs
    To hold hands, to offer a warm embrace with both arms
    Yes, these are simple things that anyone can do
    But not me.

    But you know, its OK to believe that
    Happiness arrives to those who hang in there
    So I will keep walking with full purpose of heart and soul
    Won’t you join me by not giving up but keep moving on?
    Let’s keep walking!

    I want to walk, to run with both legs
    To hold hands, to offer a warm embrace with both arms
    It’s tough to reminisce on the flood of tears
    The overwhelming frustrations of being who I am.

    But you know, its OK to believe that
    Those who wear a smile always find satisfaction in life
    So I will keep walking with full purpose of heart and soul
    Won’t you join me by not giving up but keep moving on?
    Let’s keep walking!

    I am so thankful for my birth
    So very thankful
    So I will keep walking with full purpose of heart and soul
    Won’t you join me by not giving up but keep moving on?
    Let’s keep walking!

    Closing Caption:
    “Now and forever, I will keep walking and pursuing my dreams”
    – Sano Ami

  5. I have no words I am simply awestruck and dumb. I salute you Ami Sano. Over and above your courage and perseverance, I am floored by your infectious and very real smile. God bless you every second of your life.

  6. VIENNA BOMBARDIERI

    http://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/we_are_no_accident_691566
    http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_blogs/blog_detail.aspx?BlogID=28758&PoetID=21797

    I think she is more than brave, she is wise beyond her years. A true example of a genuine
    spirited young woman, who knows the valor of life truth and happiness. Thank you Sano for
    being an inspiration to all of us

    Mystic Rose Julyl2015

  7. I saw her in a fashion show video recently. Such a pretty smile! And very impressive poetry. Thank you for your gifts to the world, Ami Sano 🙂

  8. Hi Ami I wish you very happy with your life.
    from Thailand