Written with extracts from The Mainichi Shimbun

March 19th 2018

The event “Minna Atsumare” to highlight the need to realize a society where people with disabilities can co-exist was held at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse in Naka Ward, Yokohama City, on March 17th and 18th. In the warm spring-like weather , the venue was crowded with many people.

On the 18th, a live music event was held where experiences of handicapped sports such as wheelchair rugby, workshops could be attended; disabled artists and others appeared. Staff members and users of the disability welfare service office provided handmade sweets to be enjoyed the visitors.

The prefecture planned the event, following the incident of the disabled facility killing in Sagamihara city. Reportedly more than 100,000 people visited in two days, Jun Aoki, manager of co-existence social awareness manager of the prefectural health and welfare department said, “We had a lot of people who have few opportunities to come into contact with people with disabilities. It will increase interest in disability “