Disability News Japan Podcast: Disabled Kids in Nagano Get Night Trip to the Zoo!

By Barrier Free Japan

December 4 2023

NAGANO – Creating a fun haven for children with disabilities hoping to see wildlife is a global effort that has lasted over a quarter century.

And it is spreading widely among Japanese zoos, albeit normally as a one-day event as they embrace the twilight by opening their gates at night or reserving entire days exclusively for those with special needs and their families.

Kick-started by a zoo in the Netherlands in 1996, the Dreamnight at the Zoo initiative has percolated worldwide.

Episode Notes: Dreamnight program enables disabled children to enjoy visits to zoos in Japan: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/02/dreamnight-program-enables-disabled-children-to-enjoy-visits-to-zoos-in-japan/

Nine referred to prosecutors over detainee with chronic illnesses death at Japan police station: https://barrierfreejapan.com/2023/12/01/nine-referred-to-prosecutors-over-detainee-with-chronic-illnesses-death-at-japan-police-station/

*Editors note. When recording the podcast ‘Dreamnight’ was mistakenly referred to as ‘Dreamland.’ Apologies for the error.