One of the most important people in Yoshifuji’s life was Banda Yuta. Banda was badly injured in a traffic accident when he was four and had been in the hospital ever since then. When he read the news about Yoshifuji’s projects, Banda contacted him through social media. Yoshifuji decided to visit Banda in Morioka. The first time they met, they immediately clicked. Banda became Yoshifuji’s best friend and a co-developer of OriHime. Banda made a number of useful suggestions on how to make OriHime more functional.
　OriHime’s quality improvement projects were going well. One day, however, Yoshifuji received the heartbreaking news — Banda had passed away. This was a severe blow for Yoshifuji, because Banda had been a dear friend and a valuable source of inspiration.
　Yoshifuji did not stop their projects. He continues to try to figure out how to help lonely people feel happier. Every time he faces a difficult situation, he remembers Banda’s words: “Even if you can’t move your body, your mind is still free. As long as your mind is free, you can do whatever you want and go wherever you want.”