McDonald’s Japan to stop using paper straws [Podcast Episode]
The fast-food chain said it will begin introducing a new lid design that eliminates the need for straws, starting Nov. 19, replacing the paper straws introduced in 2022.
Category: Entertainment
Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs considers tax cuts for barrier-free cinema renovations
The Agency for Cultural Affairs has begun considering reducing property taxes and other taxes for private movie theater owners who renovate their facilities to make them more accessible for people with disabilities. The aim is to create an environment where people with and without disabilities can enjoy cultural and artistic activities. The agency plans to include this in its request for tax reform in fiscal 2026, jointly with the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Recognition of reasonable accommodation remains stagnant: 60% of people with disabilities are unaware that it should become mandatory.
“Your intelligence stopped at the third grade of elementary school” Sapporo rapper (28) with an intellectual disability writes about “the sadness of living as a disabled person”
“Your intelligence stopped at the third grade of elementary school” — the rapper and comedian from ‘Sapporo’s Gag Man’ from Sapporo, (28), was told these shocking words by a teacher in the summer of his first year of junior high school. He was diagnosed with intellectual disability and panic disorder. How did his life change after his disability was discovered? Here is an excerpt from his new book, “Not Normal: Why I’m a Rapper, Even though My Intelligence Stopped in Third Grade” (Saitosha)
‘Departures’ Actress Ryōko Hirosue Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Suspends “all entertainment activities” [Podcast Episode]
Actress Ryoko Hirosue has announced a suspension of all entertainment activities after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, following hospitalization in Tokyo. The announcement comes after an incident in April where she was involved in a car accident and allegedly kicked a nurse, leading to her arrest and an ongoing police investigation. Her agency confirmed that she will continue outpatient treatment and focus on her recovery, while also cooperating fully with authorities, stating they do not attribute her actions solely to her illness and are committed to responding sincerely.
‘Departures’ Actress Ryōko Hirosue Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Suspends “all entertainment activities”
Actress Ryoko Hirosue has announced a suspension of all entertainment activities after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, following hospitalization in Tokyo. The announcement comes after an incident in April where she was involved in a car accident and allegedly kicked a nurse, leading to her arrest and an ongoing police investigation. Her agency confirmed that she will continue outpatient treatment and focus on her recovery, while also cooperating fully with authorities, stating they do not attribute her actions solely to her illness and are committed to responding sincerely.
As Number of Japan Dramas With “Disabled Casts” Rises, Director Produces ‘Guide’ to Aid Production
As the number of “disabled casts” in which people with disabilities play roles is on the rise in Japan, screenwriter and director Kiyomi Fujii and others have created a guide to help both production and performers feel at ease during filming.
Disability News Japan Podcast: The Shog-A.I. Shimbun #10: Aeon Cinema Chain Apologizes Over Access Debacle
The day after Ryoko Nakajima made the post, Aeon Entertainment, which operates the cinema chain, issued an apology:
“It has come to our attention that an Aeon Entertainment employee made an inappropriate comment to a customer while assisting the customer to move to another location after the customer had finished watching a movie. We regret the incident and believe that it was caused by a lack of guidance to our employees.”
Disability News Japan Podcast: The Shog-A.I. Shimbun #9: Social Media Responds to Wheelchair User’s Post about Cinema Access
The incident took place at an Aeon cinema in Tokyo, which is regularly used by Ryoko Nakajima, a wheelchair-using woman. TBS reported that: “The woman watched the movie not from the wheelchair-only space, but from a reclining seat with four steps.” When Ryoko Nakajima posted about this incident on social media, in which she said she would be refused admission to the cinema next time, it went viral. People on social media, or Social Network System (SNS) had a variety of opinions, here are some examples with the ‘poster’s’ name removed.
Social Media ‘X’ Responds to Wheelchair-User Ryoko Nakajima Posting About Tokyo Cinema Access Denial
An incident took place at an Aeon cinema in Tokyo, which is regularly used by Ryoko Nakajima, a wheelchair-using woman. TBS reported that: “The woman watched the movie not from the wheelchair-only space, but from a reclining seat with four steps.”
When Ryoko Nakajima posted about this incident on social media, in which she said she would be refused admission to the cinema next time, it went viral. People on social media, or Social Network System (SNS) had a variety of opinions, here are some examples with the ‘poster’s’ name removed.
(Update) Wheelchair User Denied Accessible Space at Tokyo Cinema, Aeon Cinema Company Apologizes and Social Media Responds
When Ryoko Nakajima posted about this incident on social media, in which she said she would be refused admission to the cinema next time, it went viral.
The next day, Aeon Entertainment, which operates the cinema chain, issued an apology:
“It has come to our attention that an Aeon Entertainment employee made an inappropriate comment to a customer while assisting the customer to move to another location after the customer had finished watching a movie. We regret the incident and believe that it was caused by a lack of guidance to our employees.”
There were various opinions floating around on social media with some making statements like:
“Everyone wants to choose their favorite seat.”
“Is it normal to request assistance outside of work?”
Barrier Free Japan 