Shunsuke Koseki, Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist
Pacific Supply Co., Ltd.
May 1, 2026

Introduction

TurboMed XTERN is an innovative external ankle-foot orthosis designed to help people with foot drop walk and move more freely again.

Today, we introduce Mr. Daisuke Kanauchi, who considers his TurboMed XTERN his “partner.”

In November 2025, together with his trusted partner, TurboMed XTERN, he successfully completed the Mt. Fuji Marathon 17 km race, crossing the finish line just seconds before the cutoff time.

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Mr. Kanauchi's Profile
Name: Mr. Daisuke Kanauchi
Age: 53
Occupation: Junior High School Administrative Staff
Condition: Right-side paralysis caused by brain metastasis from a mediastinal tumor diagnosed at age 19
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Interview

Interviewer: 
Thank you for joining us today. First, could you tell us about your journey before discovering TurboMed XTERN?

Mr. Kanauchi:
I have been living with the effects of my illness for more than 30 years. When I was a first-year university student, I became seriously ill and was left with paralysis on the right side of my body. There was a time when I could neither write nor run.

A major surgery in 2016 became a turning point in my life. After the surgery, my condition improved significantly. Before that, I could not run at all because the rhythm of my left and right legs did not match.

After the operation, however, I was finally able to move my legs more smoothly. Around that time, I started running together with the students at the school where I work. At first, I often stumbled, but the more I ran with the children, the stronger my desire to keep running became. Eventually, I decided to participate in marathon events.

I began with shorter races and gradually extended the distance from 3 km to 5 km and beyond. However, I eventually felt the limitations of using conventional braces alone. While searching online for “foot drop running,” I discovered TurboMed XTERN. When I first ran with TurboMed XTERN in 2019, it felt like the fog had lifted. I knew this device could take me even further.

Interviewer:
You strategically used different TurboMed models during the Fuji Mountain Marathon.

Mr. Kanauchi:
Yes. In my daily life, I choose between the Classic, Summit, and Frontier depending on my physical condition and the terrain. Having those options allowed me to select the most suitable model for race day as well.

I also started using custom-made insoles, which made running much more comfortable. Being able to combine different TurboMed models with personalized insoles gives me a level of flexibility that I never had with previous orthotic devices.

That flexibility was especially valuable during the Fuji Mountain Marathon. Race day was extremely challenging due to cold rain and the hilly terrain. I originally planned to use the Summit, but because of its stronger dorsiflexion assistance, I felt it might cause fatigue more quickly under those conditions. Just before the start, I switched to the Classic.

The decision worked well. The Classic still provided enough support for me to push off effectively on the hills and maintain my pace. On the steepest sections, I carefully chose the flattest parts of the course to reduce stress on my legs and kept moving forward one step at a time.

Without this trusted partner, I would never have crossed the finish line with only seconds remaining before the cutoff time.

Interviewer:
What is most important to you when setting goals?

Mr. Kanauchi:
“Change your mindset, and you can change your life.”
This is a phrase I came across in a book, and it has stayed with me ever since. I believe that when you believe something is possible, new opportunities begin to appear. I want to prove that through my own life.

There was a time when I could only run 3 km using taping and braces. When I tried to run 5 km, I was forced to stop before finishing. Around that time, I came across TurboMed XTERN while searching for a solution.
I believe that continuing to look for ways to overcome challenges is what leads to growth and makes life more meaningful. If you stop trying, all that remains is the fact that you couldn’t do it. By breaking goals into smaller steps and continuing steadily, new paths gradually begin to open up, just as I was able to find an incredible partner like TurboMed XTERN along the way. 

My next goal is to finish the Chiba Aqualine Marathon, a race I was unable to complete in the past. Beyond that, I hope to one day complete a full marathon overseas. My journey continues—one step at a time.

After the Interview

“By continuing to take on challenges, I believe the path will gradually open up,” said Mr. Kanauchi with a calm smile. His words reflected both his warmth and strength, earned through overcoming many obstacles.

With calm judgment and adaptability during the race, he was able to find even the slightest flat sections on the course to keep running, ultimately achieving a remarkable finish just seconds before the cutoff time and making full use of his TurboMed XTERN.

We will continue to fully support his journey toward the great goal of completing overseas marathons.

Interview Scene (Bottom: Mr. Daisuke Kanauchi / Top: Our Staff)

Many people, like Mr. Kanauchi, use TurboMed XTERN and take on challenges such as marathons, tennis, and hiking. We will continue to expand opportunities for people with foot drop to learn about and try TurboMed XTERN, so they can keep doing the activities they love.

TurboMed XTERN is available through medical institutions and orthotic and prosthetic facilities, as well as through a paid rental service called “Patto-Rental” and online sales on Rakuten Ichiba.

If you are interested in TurboMed XTERN, please feel free to contact us.
Please note that all links below are available only in Japanese.
● Nearest authorized dealers: Here
● Classic rental service: Here
● Frontier rental service: Here
● TurboMed Rakuten Ichiba: Here