Ichiro Hatanaka, a former employee of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), who was told he had a limited life expectancy after being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), has established a foundation to support others fighting the disease.
Hatanaka, 64, of Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture, has experienced many hardships in his life, such as being caught in civil strife in Africa when he was based overseas for JETRO. He is now facing another trial, but maintains high spirits.
