Category: Barrier Free

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 15, 2023 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Nagoya Tourism

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

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.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 8, 2023 1
Barrier Free Japan Nagoya Tourism

Nagoya Castle ‘Hate Speech and Barrier Free Debacle’: A Timeline

Nagoya Castle ‘Hate Speech and Barrier Free Debacle’: A Timeline At a public debate held on June 3rd regarding barrier-free measures when restoring the wooden castle tower of Nagoya Castle, some participants said that an elevator that can go up to the top floor, which groups for the disabled and others are calling for, is unnecessary. Some were claiming that this was a discriminatory remark that made fun of people with disabilities. The restoration of Nagoya Castle has been debated since May 2018 when a proposal that the castle be rebuilt without an elevator – or other ‘accommodations’ for people with disabilities – prompting disability rights groups to write to Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura urging him to rethink the restoration plan.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 5, 2023 5
Barrier Free Japan Nagoya Tourism

Nagoya Mayor apologizes for discriminatory remarks by some participants in ‘Barrier-Free Castle debate’ toward people with disabilities

Mayor Kawamura is concerned that some participants made discriminatory remarks against people with disabilities at a public debate held on June 3rd regarding barrier-free measures for the Nagoya Castle tower, which the city of Nagoya is aiming to restore as a wooden structure. He apologized, saying that he should have called attention to it when speaking.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 4, 2023 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Japan Technology

70% of the visually impaired in Japan have difficulty using smartphones and PCs, National group survey indicates

A survey conducted by the Japan Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (JFV), a national organization, revealed on May 31 that of 853 people with disabilities surveyed regarding the use of digital devices such as smartphones and PCs, nearly 70% of the respondents answered that they have difficulties in terms of operating and other skills (technical skills). As digitization continues to advance, how to provide support for people with disabilities will become an issue.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 16, 2023 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Japan Travel

神戸地下鉄エレベーター降りて優先席までの距離」問題

神戸の多くの地下鉄駅はなぜ「優先席」車両をエレベーターから可能な限り遠くに配置しているように見えるのでしょうか? 長時間動けないので私たちはエレベーターに乗っていますが、どうやらエレベーターから降りて数分間歩くことが求められているようです。

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 8, 2023 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Japan

「ヘルプ」マーク: 日本で障害者としてヘルプを受け入れることを余儀なくされていることについて

これは頻繁に起こります。 誰かが私の後ろから来て、左腕のストラップをつかんで左肩にしっかりと置いて、私を「助ける」ことにしました. 後ろから襲われることが多いので、襲われているのかと思うと、何日か腕を引っ張られて痛い思いをするのを我慢しなければならないので、これは苦痛で恐ろしい経験です。

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 6, 2023 Number of comments0
Abuse Barrier Free Crime Disability Invisible Disabilities Japan

‘Help’ Marks: On Being Forced to Accept Help as a Disabled Person in Japan

It happens often; someone comes from behind me and decides to ‘help’ me by grabbing the strap on my left arm and firmly placing it on my left shoulder. This is a painful and frightening experience, as since they often come from behind, I think I am being attacked and either way I have to put up with a few days of being in pain from my arm being yanked.