My name is CJ Shearn. I am a freelance blog writer for my own blog, Jazz Views With CJ Shearn, as well as staff writer and podcast creator for New York Jazz Workshop in midtown Manhattan. I write because I am unable to hold a traditional job due to my disability. I have cerebral palsy, live independently in Yonkers, NY and my sole source of income is SSI and medicaid.  

It has been a lifelong dream for me to visit Tokyo, Japan, and I have been interested in the culture for many years, developed enriching friendships there, on my own and through my Shinnyo-en Buddhist temple community. 

There are two main goals of my trip: first I would like to write about the jazz scene there, as well as document through Youtube my experience as a disabled foreigner in Japan, and explore what it's like there. I also plan to partake in spiritual concerns with Shinnyo-en. My plan is to take this trip from November 21 to December 7, 2017 and I will need funds for airfare, lodging, (for myself and a travel companion, to assist me with disability related special needs), J&R Rail Pass, food, gig and cell phone costs.

This would truly be a dream, once in a lifetime trip for me, so please help me make it happen. I have many dear friends there that I have been longing to meet face-to-face, including a couple expecting there second child soon.  I would love to see the babies.  I will primarily stay in Tokyo, and travel to Tachikawa, Saitama and maybe Osaka.

Thank you in advance for your gracious help in making my dream come true.