Japanese Imperial Couple receive representatives from disability welfare facilities

Written with extracts translated from NHK

July 4 2020

The Emperor and Empress of Japan received explanations about the situation and challenges faced by facilities from representatives of organizations that make up welfare facilities for the disabled regarding the effects of the new coronavirus continue.

The Imperial couple received detailed explanations from experts in various fields as the effects of the spread of infection continue.

On the 3rd, three representatives, including representatives of groups created at welfare facilities for people with disabilities, spoke about the situation and challenges of the facilities for about an hour.

During this meeting, it was explained that the residents of the facility were under great stress because they were restricted from going out and were unable to meet with their families.

Also, when it was explained that there were mass infections at multiple facilities where users with intellectual disabilities were in, the empress said, “Isn’t it a very difficult situation?”

The Chairman of the National Council for the Physically Handicapped, gave an explanation, “I am grateful to hear the voice of the site seriously, such as watching my eyes and taking notes. When the infection has subsided I felt like I was eager to visit.”

The Imperial couple will continue to receive explanations from outside experts regarding the effects of the new coronavirus.