10 years has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. While many news sources are focusing on this story at this time, there is a fact that often slips through the cracks – the number of disabled people who died was 25% the death toll*. The first image to come to mind is likely that of those with physical disabilities not being able to escape in time, but that is not the only Read more…
By Sarah Nishina Kochi is located on the island of Shikoku and is the prefectural capital. Kochi is blessed with beautiful nature, sparkling oceans, clear rivers and deep green forests which cover around 85% of the land. It is home to many of the temples on the world famous Shikoku 88 temple pilgrimage. Day One First stop on the tour is the Chikurinji Temple, the thirty first temple on the pilgrimage. On entering the grounds Read more…
By Erin Himeno For many people, animals are part of the family. Especially for those who require service animals, the issue of travelling with your helper is a major one. In this article, I discuss how to bring your service animal or service animal to Japan. I’ll be explaining the process as described on Japan’s official Animal Quarantine Service website. This information is updated and accurate as of November 2020. Important note: Due to coronavirus Read more…
When most people think about Japan, their mind likely fills with images of bustling cities, serene temples and shrines, or Mount Fuji towering over fields as you zip across the country on the bullet train. But did you know that Japan is also home to palm trees, sandy beaches and crystal clear waters? Located in the seas between Kyushu and Taiwan, Okinawa is Japans most southern prefecture – a chain of hundreds of islands with Read more…
By Justin Schroth Starbucks, for most people around the world this one word alone brings about memories of coffee, latte’s, cappuccino’s, or other caffeine-filled beverages people often enjoy. For most of these people, ordering a beverage or snack at a Starbucks is an easy matter, even most shops are accessible to wheelchairs or those living with physical disabilities. However, it is not so easy for everyone with disabilities, specifically people with hearing impairments trying place Read more…
By Justin Schroth The Japanese Tourism Agency (part of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) recently produced a video to promote awareness of accessibility at restaurants in Japan. In the video Josh Grisdale who runs Accessible Japan, sits with Patrick Anderson, noted as being the world’s best wheelchair basketball player having won 3-gold & 1-silver medals at the Paralympics, and Yuriko Oda, who is an advocate for those living with disabilities and has Read more…
