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"ARE YOU GOING TO MASSAGE A PINE TREE？"

  He lost eyesight when he was halfway of studies in school,
once decided to die but unaccomplished. Then he awoke to the
love of God and started the career as theologian.
  He went England to study, supported by good assistance and
encouragement of his sister, then his name Takeo Iwahashi 
became better known abroad than in Japan.
  After returning to Japan, he dedicated to disseminate 
braille as he believed that study was necessary for blind 
people while advocating the love of God.
  It is a famous episode that he angrily said to those who 
were reluctant to acknowlege the need of study, the day will
come when you should have at least physical knowledge of 
human body to massage it. Then you won't be admitted to 
massage anyone. It'll be too late to start studying. Are you
going to massage a pine tree then?
  He opened Light House in Osaka, issued newspapers and 
books in braille, devoted to give assistance and improve 
social status of the blind.
  He invited Ms.Helen Keller to Japan before and after the 
Second World War, gave lectures throughout the country.
  It met with big response not only from the disabled but 
also from general public. 

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