Category: Barrier Free

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 5, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Japan

“Stop pretending to be disabled”; Hirotada Ototake gives a “bold reply” to a malicious comment on X

Japanese author and sports writer Hirotada Ototake went viral after responding with sharp humor to a malicious comment on X (formerly Twitter) telling him to “stop pretending to be disabled.” Ototake, who was born without arms or legs, quoted the post and replied, “I’m terribly sorry for pretending to be disabled when all I’m missing are both my arms and legs.” The self-deprecating response earned over 23,000 likes and more than 2.5 million views, with many praising his wit and resilience. While most users lauded his ability to turn hostility into humor, others reflected on the deeper need for empathy, noting that laughter doesn’t erase the hurt behind prejudice.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 29, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Gaming Japan Podcast Technology

Japanese Gaming Industry Moves to Improve Accessibility [Podcast Episode]

The Japanese gaming industry is working to improve video game accessibility by developing equipment and systems that allow people with disabilities affecting their hands to play by using other parts of their body, such as their cheeks, feet and eyes. There were people playing games without using their hands at an area dedicated to accessibility at the Tokyo Game Show in the city of Chiba in September. Such an area was set up at the show for the first time.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 27, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability E-Sports Gaming Japan

Japanese Gaming Industry Moves to Improve Accessibility

The Japanese gaming industry is working to improve video game accessibility by developing equipment and systems that allow people with disabilities affecting their hands to play by using other parts of their body, such as their cheeks, feet and eyes. There were people playing games without using their hands at an area dedicated to accessibility at the Tokyo Game Show in the city of Chiba in September. Such an area was set up at the show for the first time.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan

Former Japanese PM Tomiichi Murayama, Who Advocated for a “Society for All Abilities”, Dies at 101

Former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who led Japan from 1994 to 1996 and was known for his wartime apology and advocacy of an inclusive welfare society, died of old age Friday at a hospital in Oita Prefecture at 101, according to local reports. As the first socialist leader in nearly 50 years, Murayama urged in his 1994 Diet address the creation of “a society in which everyone, including the enfeebled and the disabled, can participate as an independent individual.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 15, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Travel

Saitama Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage [Podcast Episode]

A long-running bus service for people with disabilities in Saitama Prefecture will be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year due to a shortage of drivers and the wider availability of lift-equipped charter buses from private operators, the prefectural government said. The Oozora-go, a 40-seat bus donated over decades by Musashino Bank, has served thousands annually since 1973, offering affordable group travel for disability organizations. Advocates have expressed disappointment, saying the service promoted social participation for people with disabilities, while Governor Motohiro Ōno said the prefecture will consider alternative measures in light of user feedback and social changes.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 13, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan Mobility as a Service Travel

Bus Service for People with Disabilities to Be Discontinued Due to Driver Shortage

A long-running bus service for people with disabilities in Saitama Prefecture will be discontinued at the end of the fiscal year due to a shortage of drivers and the wider availability of lift-equipped charter buses from private operators, the prefectural government said. The Oozora-go, a 40-seat bus donated over decades by Musashino Bank, has served thousands annually since 1973, offering affordable group travel for disability organizations. Advocates have expressed disappointment, saying the service promoted social participation for people with disabilities, while Governor Motohiro Ōno said the prefecture will consider alternative measures in light of user feedback and social changes.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 10, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Employment Japan

Fureasu Tops 2025 Ranking for Disability Employment in Japan

The 2025 ranking of Japanese companies with the highest employment rates of people with disabilities shows home-visit massage firm Fureasu topping the list with a rate of 15.13 percent, Toyo Keizai magazine reported Thursday. The survey covered 1,137 companies employing at least three people with disabilities. The average rate among all 1,339 firms that disclosed data was 2.25 percent, up slightly from the previous year’s 2.2 percent. Japan raised its legally required employment rate for people with disabilities from 2.3 to 2.5 percent in April, with a further increase to 2.7 percent planned for fiscal 2026.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 9, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Japan Travel

Bus company introduces Japan’s 1st service with lie-flat seats

Kochi Ekimae Kanko, a bus operator in western Japan, has repeatedly received passenger feedback that overnight bus rides can be physically tiring and concluded there is enough demand for buses with lie-flat seats. The company trialed the seats, which can be converted into two tiers of beds, on its 13-hour service between Kochi Prefecture and Tokyo. During the trial in August, an upper bed seat cost 12,000 yen ($80) one way, while a lower bed seat was 10,000 yen. The fares for the regular service are yet to be announced.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 7, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan

People with Disabilities and Local Residents Connect at “Fureai” Exchange Event in Nishinomiya, Hyogo for 20th Year

The Fureai Network Festival in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo, brought together people with disabilities and local residents for its 20th annual event on October 5. Organized by the nonprofit Nishinomiya Fureai Network, the festival featured 16 organizations running booths where participants sold handmade goods and hosted workshops, including leathercraft. The event provided an opportunity for people with disabilities working at local facilities to engage with the wider community, with organizers highlighting its importance in fostering social connection and inclusion.