National / Social Issues May 12, 2020
Virus exacerbates challenges for people in Japan with disabilities
by Magdalena Osumi
Social distancing recommendations, stay-at-home requests and use of masks can complicate day-to-day activities.
National Mar 4, 2020
All shinkansen to have spaces for wheelchairs, Japan ministry says
The transport ministry said Tuesday that all of the country's shinkansen trains would create spaces for wheelchair users. The ministry will conduct tests by summer and work out the details, such as the size required for such spaces. It unveiled the plan as part of a ...
Business Feb 27, 2020
Wheelchairs developed by former Japanese Paralympian gaining attention ahead of Tokyo Games
Sports wheelchairs developed by a former Paralympian are drawing attention ahead of the Tokyo Games. "I want to disseminate Japanese technology throughout the world," says Yasuhiro Jinbo, a 49-year-old former member of the men's wheelchair basketball team. "I hope that wheelchair sports will become more ...
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA May 26, 2019
An Olympics crowdsourcing project may be the answer to making Japan a more accessible country
by Mark Bookman
Tokyo is up against the clock when it comes to creating a city that's accessible for everyone. Its deadline? Next year's Olympic Games, though that really shouldn't matter when it comes to transforming Japan into a nation where anyone can use any space. Accessibility means ...
National Jul 16, 2018
The land ministry plans to revise Japan’s standards for barrier-free hotels to increase the number of rooms suitable for wheelchair users ahead of the Olympics.
National Mar 30, 2018
Goal to achieve full barrier-free access at major transport terminals by 2020 Olympics adopted
The government on Friday set a target of achieving full barrier-free access for the disabled at major train stations, bus terminals and airports ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics The step-free access rate at such facilities with more than 3,000 daily users on ...
National Dec 4, 2017
Japan's first public sign language phones installed at Haneda airport
The nation's first public phones allowing communication via sign language were set up Sunday at Tokyo's Haneda airport. The system, activated on Sunday, the U.N. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, allows people with hearing problems to sign in front of a monitor so an ...
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Feb 27, 2016
Participation in society should be barrier-free
by Philip Brasor
When Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formed a task force last year to promote greater citizen involvement in whatever it is he is trying to accomplish, many people objected to the name of the group. "Ichioku Sokatsuyaku" reminded them of a slogan used before and ...
National / Media | MEDIA MIX Apr 11, 2015
Olympics provide golden opportunity for change
by Philip Brasor
While there are many reasons why a city would want to host the Olympic Games, most have to do with money and prestige: The Olympics bring international attention to the host city for two weeks. Consequently, the city has to look its best, but preparations ...
Lifestyle Feb 7, 2015
Breaking down the barriers: Can Tokyo improve access for people with disabilities?
by Masami Ito
In the summer of 2020, Tokyo will once again host the Olympic and Paralympic Games. It's the first time the Paralympics will be hosted by a city for the second time. More than half a century has passed since Tokyo last hosted the games in ...
Lifestyle Feb 7, 2015
'Everyone is different, regardless of their disability': Hirotada Ototake
by Masami Ito
Life can be rough for those who look a little "different" from others in society. You would expect no one to know this better than Hirotada Ototake, who was born without arms or legs due to a genetic disorder called tetra-amelia syndrome. Surprisingly, however, ...
Lifestyle Feb 7, 2015
Options allow Tokyo to be more accessible
by Masami Ito
Former anchorwoman Christel Takigawa referenced the country's spirit of selfless hospitality in her presentation to the International Olympic Committee in 2013, a speech that helped persuade the IOC to give Japan the rights to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This hospitality, or omotenashi, ...