“According to the rail companies, space for one or two wheelchairs is available on each bullet train. Users are requested to reserve them by telephone or at JR counters at least two days before boarding, in principle. At the committee meeting, Akaba called the system “outrageous.”“
“Trials have begun at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda to introduce next generation self-driving electric wheelchairs for helping elderly and other people move more easily to boarding gates after checking in.”
“[A]mong the 120 cases surveyed, there were 32, or 27 percent, in which wheelchair users were refused taxi rides.”
“JR Kyushu is promoting the implementation of unmanned station in Oita city that discriminates against people with disabilities.
A civic group made up of people with disabilities and supporters will file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the Oita District Court on November 19th”
“In Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, a walking tour was conducted to consider the ideal tourist destination for people with disabilities, caregivers, and healthy people while visiting local landmarks with wheelchair users.”
“On November 14th, a group of disabled organizations in Saitama city confirmed the status of barrier-free maintenance in the city, on and around JR Saitama Shintoshin Station.”
“Japan’s industry ministry is weighing a maximum allocation of around 100,000 yen ($915) per purchase, the officials said, as the one- to two-seater EVs are looked at as a way to provide Japan’s rapidly aging population with an easier and safer means of mobility, particularly in rural areas where public transport is limited.”
“If you are asked for assistance by a disabled person or an elderly person at the station, how far should you respond? A letter from an station employee of a Japanese railroad company sent to the ‘life section’ of The Chunichi Shimbun offered this advice…”
“Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe instructed relevant cabinet ministers on Tuesday to accelerate work toward introducing a “limited” driver’s license that will allow holders to drive only vehicles with safety support functions.”
“There are universal design (UD) taxis in Japan which wheelchair users can use but often the driver refuses disabled people. The organization “DPI Japan” will conduct a survey to investigate such refusals in different areas of Japan. The DPI aims to improve the situation before many wheelchair users from overseas visit Japan for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.”
Barrier Free Japan