Wheelchair User Told to “Be Patient” at Public Meeting about ‘Barrier Free’ Access to Nagoya Castle

Extract from The Asahi Shimbun

June 14 2023

NAGOYA – In response to discriminatory remarks made at a citizens’ debate on the restoration of Nagoya Castle’s keep, Nagoya City, the organizer of the debate, has decided to recognize as “discriminatory” any remarks other than those directly insulting to the physically challenged. Mayor Takashi Kawamura had previously avoided making a decision on statements other than those directly discriminatory, saying, “It is difficult because there is a great deal of freedom of expression.

At the citizens’ debate on June 3rd, where the theme was barrier-free access, a man in a wheelchair expressed his opinion, calling for the installation of an elevator (EV) to the top floor of the castle tower. In response, other participants who were in favor of not requiring EVs used discriminatory expressions that insulted the physically disabled, and countered with comments such as “Be patient” and “You are being too impudent.” This comment was followed by applause from some in the audience.