Category: Japan

Barrier Free Disability Discrimination Elderly Japan Travel

Recent Refusal of disabled man from boarding a bus in Kawasaki Echoes Cause of 1977 ‘Kawasaki bus struggle’

In 1977, large-scale protests were held over the public bus operator’s refusal to allow people in wheelchairs with cerebral palsy to board, which became known as the “Kawasaki bus struggle.” This became an impetus for the progression of rights for those with disabilities.

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“They should broadcast the Paralympics” Japanese businessman criticises lack of broadcasting of Paris Paralympics

Hiroyuki Nishimura (47), known as “Hiroyuki”, updated his X (formerly Twitter), giving his personal opinion regarding Nippon Television’s “24-hour TV”, which began its broadcast on August 31st.

“If they’re going to deal with people with disabilities on 24-hour TV, they should broadcast the Paralympics…”, referring to the Paris Paralympics that began on the 28th.

Barrier Free Disability Japan Technology Travel

Kawasaki City Bus “Refuses Boarding” Of Disabled Person, Not Allowing Use of Disability Certificate App

In August, a physically disabled man (53) was denied boarding a Kawasaki City bus because he was refused use of the disability certificate app on his smartphone. The city has approved the use of the app, and the man claims he was “unfairly refused boarding.” The city apologized to the man, saying “the driver was not aware of the problem.” While the use of information and communication technology (ICT) is progressing, the situation shows that operators are lagging behind in their understanding.

Health Japan

Obesity among Japanese Men Continues to Rise: Govt Survey

Obesity among men in Japan has continued to rise over the past decade, a survey by the health ministry showed Wednesday. The 2022 survey found that 31.7 pct of men aged 20 and older had a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 or higher, which indicates obesity by Japanese standards. Although the obesity rate was down 1.3 percentage points from the previous research in 2019, the ministry said it has continued to rise over the past 10 years.

Disability Employment Japan Welfare

Japan’s Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare orders support for re-employment of disabled people due to successive dismissals

At a press conference on the 27th, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Takemi Keizo said, “I have instructed the Labor Bureau to respond to the successive dismissals and resignations at employment offices where disabled people can learn skills and knowledge while working,” in order to provide detailed support for re-employment.

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Paris Paralympics: First group of Japan delegation enters athletes’ village

Japan is sending 176 athletes to the Paris Games, a record high for a Paralympics held overseas. The first group of Japanese athletes competing at the Paris Paralympics entered their village in Saint-Denis, just outside of Paris, on Wednesday. 21st August. About 40 athletes and staff of sports such as blind football, goalball, rowing and swimming arrived a week before the start of the games, with some of them taking commemorative photos with their smartphones. The opening ceremony will be held at the Place de la Concorde on Aug. 28, and the games will run through Sept. 8.