Legislators with disabilities request elevator be installed to Nagoya Castle’s top floor

From The Mainichi

August 24 2023

NAGOYA – A group of legislators with disabilities requested on Aug. 21 that Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura consider installing an elevator going up to Nagoya Castle’s top floor, as the city aims to replace the current reinforced concrete castle keep with a wooden structure true to the building’s roots.

The group consisting of disabled National Diet and local assembly members from across the country, whose name translates to “the network to promote independence and political participation of people with disabilities,” met with Kawamura.

Kumamoto Municipal Assembly member and network head Hiroshi Murakami told a post-meeting press conference that they had submitted a written request stating, “If we build an exclusive structure, it will become a symbol of discrimination to the world.” At the meeting, he also asked for “a frank discussion with local disabled people’s groups,” but the mayor apparently reiterated his reluctance to install an elevator.

Meanwhile, Mayor Kawamura told reporters, “I would like to discuss the issues with local groups after organizing them in writing so that there will be no fights. I hope they will let us create this one and only treasure (faithful to historical records).”