ISPO Kobe 2019 held in advance of the 2020 Paralympic Games

The biennial World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) is always remarkable, but the 17th edition had a special significance. It was held in October 2019 in Kobe, less than a year before the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Every four years, the Paralympics put prosthetics and orthotics on an international stage. The athletes are an inspiration to people all across the globe. In advance of that monumental event, the ISPO World Congress shone a spotlight on the professionals working to give people with physical impairments greater function and independence.

But the Paralympics weren’t the only reason ISPO chose Japan as a host. As noted by Professor Friedbert Kohler, ISPO’s President, one of Japan’s advantages is “the strength of the rehabilitation, prosthetic, and orthotic sector.” In particular, it is an industry leader in robotics and assistive technology.

Around 5000 professionals, working in those fields and beyond, made the journey to Kobe. An American professor said, “I learned something new in an area of my research. That was really exciting to me. I’m hoping to connect with people I met here, so we can begin new dialogue.”

That sense of collaboration was evident from the very first day, Kohler explained. “It was like a street fair. People were getting food, getting drinks, and then going outside,” he said. “It was a really nice atmosphere, and it was the perfect weather to do that.”

Many people took advantage of the weather by making time for sightseeing, before or after the conference. Kobe is a stone’s throw from numerous World Heritage Sites, and its food - such as Kobe beef - is globally renowned.

One attendee spoke about Japan’s appeal in the Middle East. “Where I come from, Iraq, or where I am based,

in the United Arab Emirates, Japan is distinguished for its functionality and tourist attractions. Trust me, there will be so many people who would love to come.”

Japan showed its backing for the ISPO World Congress at every level. “There was a lot of support from the government, the prefecture, and the city,” said Kohler. Even the public got involved, via a parasports festival held concurrently by the prefecture. They heard talks from Paralympians and took part in events such as wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.

Heinrich Popow, a Paralympic gold medalist, was impressed by the country’s efficiency and enthusiasm. Regarding Tokyo 2020, he was convinced: “Even before the Rio Olympics, I had that feeling that Japan is ready. I can feel the passion.” It’s an attitude that Japan’s organisers bring to every event they host.