Category: Blind

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 1, 2026 Number of comments0
10 Golden Week Blind Disability Japan Travel

Some Notes on Blindness in Japan During Golden Week [Podcast Episode]

Two recent developments in Japan have highlighted ongoing safety challenges faced by people with visual impairments in public spaces. At the Imabari branch of the Matsuyama District Court, a visually impaired woman has filed a lawsuit seeking about 1.7 million yen in damages from a dog owner, alleging she was injured after an unleashed dog approached her guide dog, causing her to fall; she warned that such incidents on public roads can be life-threatening and called for greater awareness of the dangers of interfering with guide dogs doing their work. Separately, East Japan Railway Co. opened a platform-based training session at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo to the media, where visually impaired participants practiced navigation with mobility instructors using actual train cars, underscoring efforts by transport operators to improve safety and prevent accidents.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt April 27, 2026 1
Animals Blind Disability Japan

Visually impaired woman sues for 1.7M Yen after unleashed dog attacks guide dog, causing fall

A lawsuit is being heard at the Imabari branch of the Matsuyama District Court in which a visually impaired woman is seeking approximately 1.7 million yen in damages from a dog owner, alleging that she fell and was injured after an unleashed dog approached her guide dog.
In an interview with Yomiuri Shimbun, the plaintiff stressed, “If you fall on a public road, there’s a risk of being hit by a car, could be life-threatening.” She added, “I want people to understand how dangerous it is to interfere with a guide dog while it is guiding.”

by Michael Gillan Peckitt March 20, 2026 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Disability Japan Podcast Travel

Shikoku Island Town Trials New Pedestrian Crossing for Visually Impaired [Podcast Episode]

A pedestrian crossing built to a new standard with wider spacing between white lines than before was introduced this month at an intersection near JR Takase Station in Takase Town, Mitoyo City, the first such installation in Shikoku. On the 18th, the prefectural police invited visually impaired people and others to walk across it and share their feedback. In July 2024, related laws on road markings were partially revised, making it possible to widen the spacing between white lines from the previous 45–50 centimetres to as much as 90 centimetres. This is expected to reduce maintenance costs, as it can lessen deterioration caused by vehicle traffic.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 13, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Japan Kyushu Podcast Travel Unmanned Stations

23,000 Sign Petition Demanding Safety Reforms After Death of Blind Woman at JR Tsukumi Station [Podcast Episode]

A disability rights group has submitted over 23,000 signatures to JR Kyushu, urging an investigation and stronger safety measures following the death of a visually impaired woman at Tsukumi Station in Ōita Prefecture three years ago. The woman was struck by a limited express train during unstaffed hours in December 2022. The group, comprising people with visual and physical disabilities, also delivered a written statement reflecting concerns from visually impaired passengers. During a meeting at JR Kyushu’s Ōita branch, members called for clear rescue protocols for falls from platforms. Co-representative lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda urged JR to take the voices of disabled passengers seriously.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 9, 2025 Number of comments0
Blind Disability Japan Travel

23,000 Sign Petition Demanding Safety Reforms After Death of Blind Woman at JR Tsukumi Station

A disability rights group has submitted over 23,000 signatures to JR Kyushu, urging an investigation and stronger safety measures following the death of a visually impaired woman at Tsukumi Station in Ōita Prefecture three years ago. The woman was struck by a limited express train during unstaffed hours in December 2022. The group, comprising people with visual and physical disabilities, also delivered a written statement reflecting concerns from visually impaired passengers. During a meeting at JR Kyushu’s Ōita branch, members called for clear rescue protocols for falls from platforms. Co-representative lawyer Yasuyuki Tokuda urged JR to take the voices of disabled passengers seriously.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 2, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Braille Disability Japan Tourism Travel

“Speaking” tactile sidewalks enrich lives of visually impaired

Tactile paving for people with visual impairments in Japan has recently been enhanced with audio guidance, as the developers of the technology aim to improve the lives of people with partial sight and assist sighted tourists. The new braille blocks are marked with black stickers in special patterns. By scanning the coded blocks with a smartphone camera and app, users can listen to audio information about the location and its surroundings.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 26, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Blind Disability Japan Podcast Technology

“We are being left behind”: Visually Impaired People in Japan Struggle with Digitalization [Podcast Episode]

Toyoharu Yoshiizumi (67), head of the information department at the Japan Federation of Organizations of the Visually Impaired (and himself visually impaired), pointed out, “As digitalization progresses, we are being left behind.” He said the increase in unmanned stores is also a concern, saying, “Without store clerks, reasonable consideration cannot be given. I think it is difficult for businesses, but I would like them to improve the environment so that visually impaired people can use the facilities.”