Category: Barrier Free

by Michael Gillan Peckitt January 21, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Disasters Japan

Japanese Prefectures Asked to Secure Hotels as Shelters

The Japanese government has asked prefectures to lead efforts to secure hotels as shelters during large-scale disasters. Guidelines drawn up by the Cabinet Office call on local officials, mainly at prefectural governments, to work to secure accommodation and match it with evacuees. The Cabinet Office also advises local governments to list hotels based on whether rooms are barrier-free and if evacuees can use them continuously for a certain period.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt January 11, 2026 1
Barrier Free Crime Disability Japan Police

Gifu Prefectural Police Introduce ‘Sign Language Link’, Available Even if No Police Present

Sign Language Link is provided by the Japan Foundation Telephone Relay Service, a general incorporated foundation based in Tokyo. When police officers leave a kōban or a residential police post, they put up a notice indicating their absence. By scanning the QR code on this notice with a smartphone or other device, users are connected to a video call, initiating a three-way conversation between the user, a sign language interpreter, and an officer at the police station.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt January 4, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Politics Sanae Takaichi

Japan PM Takaichi Aims for “Inclusive Society” at Barrier-Free Awards Ceremony [Podcast Episode]

Speaking at an award ceremony recognizing contributions to the promotion of barrier-free and universal design initiatives on December 24th 2025, Prime Minister Takaichi said: “The society we aim for is an “inclusive society” in which all people, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, respect each other’s human rights and dignity, support each other, and are able to enjoy vibrant lives.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt January 3, 2026 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan Politics Sanae Takaichi

At Awards Ceremony Recognizing Barrier Free Initiatives, PM Takaichi Says She Aims for an “inclusive society”

Speaking at an award ceremony recognizing contributions to the promotion of barrier-free and universal design initiatives, Takaichi said: “The society we aim for is an “inclusive society” in which all people, regardless of whether they have a disability or not, respect each other’s human rights and dignity, support each other, and are able to enjoy vibrant lives.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 31, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Deaf Disability Japan United Nations

Japan calls inadequate sign language access at UN a “grave issue”

A Japanese member of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has criticized the United Nations for failing to provide adequate sign language interpretation, saying it is not complying with its own disability rights convention. Hiroshi Tamon, a deaf lawyer who began a four-year term on the committee in January 2025, says interpretation is provided only for official meetings, forcing him to pay most costs himself for other essential activities. Japan’s Foreign Ministry has raised the issue with the UN, calling it a “grave issue.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 3, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Podcast Tokyo

Tokyo Annual ‘Disability Week’ to be Held December 3rd to 9th [Podcast Episode]

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on December 1st that it will hold its annual ‘Disability Week’ from December 3rd to 9th. The aim of ‘Disability Week’ is to deepen public interest and understanding of disability welfare and to encourage people with disabilities to actively participate in all areas of social, economic, and cultural activities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt December 2, 2025 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan Tokyo

Tokyo Annual Disability Week to be Held December 3rd to 9th

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced on December 1st that it will hold its annual ‘Disability Week’ from December 3rd to 9th. The aim of ‘Disability Week’ is to deepen public interest and understanding of disability welfare and to encourage people with disabilities to actively participate in all areas of social, economic, and cultural activities.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Care Children Disability Group Homes (GH) Japan

90% of Families of People with Disabilities in Japan “Worried” About Life After Parents’ Death

A recent survey by a private organization has revealed widespread anxiety among families of adults with disabilities in Japan, with 90.2% expressing worry about their loved one’s life after the parents pass away, and 58.2% reporting they are reaching the limits of providing care.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 18, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Deaf Deaflympics Japan Para Sports Sports

“Starting Light” Developer Voices Hopes for Deaflympics

The developer of the “starting light” device hopes that the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics, which began on Saturday, will raise awareness about the deaf community. The device will be used alongside the starting pistol for track events at the quadrennial sports festival for people with hearing difficulties. “I hope people become more aware of the difficulties that those who are hard of hearing go through,” said Masahisa Takemi, a 50-year-old teacher at the Central School for the Deaf, run by the Tokyo metropolitan government, who was involved in the development of the device.