Manami Ito – The Miracle Inspiring Amputee Violinist That Had Judges In Tears

Read the story of the amazing Violinist – Manami Ito

Manami Ito from Japan is an amazing talent who plays the violin with one arm! She’s always loved playing the violin, but in 2004, at the age of 20, she was involved in a tragic auto accident and lost her right arm.

As one could certainly understand, becoming an amputee sent Manami into a depression. She couldn’t do what she loved to do, which was playing her violin. For more than one year she didn’t even want to leave her house, until one day her mother said: “please play the violin again for me someday.”

This re-kindled a passion in Manami, it gave her a reason, a goal. She also decided to go after other interests that she had been putting off. She went back to school and became the first amputee nurse in Japan. She decided to compete in the Paralympics as a swimmer. At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, she came in 4th in the 100m Breaststroke and took 8th place in the 2012 London games.

Thirteen years after her accident, Manami was able to get a new lightweight prosthetic arm with a specially made prosthetic bow. Amazingly, this has allowed her to return to playing the violin, and it was time to show the world what she could do!

In 2019, she earned a spot to try out on a new talent show called “The World’s Best,” hosted by James Cordon, in Hollywood, California. She called herself “The Miracle Violinist” and brought tears to the eyes of many when she began playing.

Watching Manami Ito instills joy and passion, both from her music and expression on her face, from doing what she truly loved. Simply being on that stage, playing violin with her prosthetic arm, is a testament to the power of human spirit and our ability to accomplish so much more than we think we can.

International Country Music Star Faith Hill, who is a judge on the show, said:

I believe that there’s nothing stronger than the human spirit. When we decide we can do something there are no limits whatsoever, and you’ve proven that tonight.

RuPaul was also inspired by her performance;

It made me proud to witness your grace and your way of overcoming adversity. This is a lesson that every human alive needs to learn.

Actress Drew Barrymore said;

Not only are you talented but your perspective on life is something that the world needs.

Indeed, Manami Ito’s story is what the world needs. Being human tests us in so many different ways, even if we are lucky enough to be born into a first-world country. Every person has obstacles to overcome along the way. Whether they are mental challenges or physical challenges, such as Manami Ito’s. She hopes her story inspires others, I don’t know how it can’t inspire people! The things we can overcome are only limited by our minds, which is a good reminder to me, to keep on keepin’ on!