Category: Unmanned Stations

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 12, 2025 Number of comments0
Barrier Free Disability Japan Kyushu Travel Unmanned Stations

Visually Impaired Plaintiffs Oppose JR Kyushu’s Unstaffed Stations After Blind Woman’s Death

A lawsuit challenging JR Kyushu’s move to make stations in Oita Prefecture unstaffed has intensified after plaintiffs, including people with disabilities, criticized the company for failing to fully investigate the 2022 death of a visually impaired elderly woman hit by a train at Tsukumi Station. At a briefing on August 11, they argued that unstaffing compromises passenger safety, with supporters submitting a petition of more than 23,000 signatures calling for stronger safety measures. JR Kyushu maintains that operational decisions are influenced by profitability, but plaintiffs insist that preventing passenger deaths must remain the railway’s foremost priority.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 25, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Japan Podcast Unmanned Stations

Disability News Japan Podcast: ‘Unmanned stations’ Prompts Disability Groups in Japan to Worry About Freedom of Movement

As early as 20th November 2019, disability groups in Kyushu, specifically disability groups in Oita Prefecture had concerns about ‘unmanned stations’, although protest rallies were held as long ago as late September 2018. In November 2019, it was reported that a“civic group made up of people with disabilities and supporters will file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the Oita District Court.”  Since 2020, more wheelchair users and other parties have filed numerous lawsuits with the Oita District Court, claiming that their constitutionally protected right to freedom of movement is being infringed.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt August 24, 2023 2
Disability Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

‘Unmanned stations’ Prompts Disability Groups in Japan to Worry About Freedom of Movement

As early as 20th November 2019, disability groups in Kyushu, specifically disability groups in Oita Prefecture had concerns about ‘unmanned stations’, although protest rallies were held as long ago as late September 2018. In November 2019, it was reported that a“civic group made up of people with disabilities and supporters will file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the Oita District Court.” 

Since 2020, more wheelchair users and other parties have filed numerous lawsuits with the Oita District Court, claiming that their constitutionally protected right to freedom of movement is being infringed.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 12, 2022 1
Barrier Free Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

Unmanned Stations “not just about disabled people” say plaintiffs in JR Kyushu accessibility case

On February 10th, the Oita District Court heard oral arguments in a lawsuit filed by three wheelchair users in Oita City who claimed that they suffered from restrictions on their freedom of movement due to JR Kyushu’s decision to make its stations unmanned. The plaintiffs presented their views on JR Kyushu’s decision to make four new stations in the prefecture unmanned, and appealed to the court to “take a sincere look at its role as a public transportation system once again.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt September 25, 2021 1
Barrier Free Japan Travel Unmanned Stations

Drivers and conductors to assist wheelchair users at Japan’s ‘unmanned stations’, draft report suggests

On the 24th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism compiled a draft barrier-free measure to enable people with disabilities to get on and off smoothly at unmanned stations. If it is not possible to assign a staff member to assist wheelchair users in advance, the main suggestion is for drivers and conductors to get off the train and assist. Specific guidelines are to be established within the year.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt November 9, 2020 1
Barrier Free Disability Japan Unmanned Stations

“Unmanned” train stations continues to pose problems for people with disabilities in Japan

“The number of “unmanned stations” without station staff all day long has risen to more than 4,500 stations, which is close to half of the stations nationwide, and is still increasing.
Under such circumstances, there are issues such as assistance to people with disabilities, so the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has set up a study group and started discussions for improvement.”