Nagoya Mayor apologizes for discriminatory remarks by some participants in ‘Barrier-Free Castle debate’ toward people with disabilities

From NHK

June 5 2023

NAGOYA – Mayor Kawamura is concerned that some participants made discriminatory remarks against people with disabilities at a public debate held on June 3rd regarding barrier-free measures for the Nagoya Castle tower, which the city of Nagoya is aiming to restore as a wooden structure. He apologized, saying that he should have called attention to it when speaking.

At a public debate held on the 3rd regarding barrier-free measures when restoring the wooden castle tower of Nagoya Castle, some participants said that an elevator that can go up to the top floor, which groups for the disabled and others are calling for, is unnecessary. Some were claiming that this was a discriminatory remark that made fun of people with disabilities.

Nagoya City, which hosted the debate, canceled the release of the video of the debate, saying it was an inappropriate remark.

Regarding this, Mayor Kawamura said at a press conference that although he himself was at the venue, he could not catch all of the remarks, saying, “It is a place where citizens can speak freely, but it does not mean that they can say anything, so I think I should have said, “Please be careful.” I apologize.”

On the other hand, he said, “Basically, I want to cherish freedom of expression. It’s pretty scary to ban people from speaking.”