Blog - Accessible Japan

Scene from Japan Tourism Agency restaurant accessibility video

Raising Awareness about Washoku Accessibility

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…

By accessible-japan, 1 yearApril 27, 2020 ago

Peace in Art Unbound, the 3rd Annual Paralym Art World Cup

By Justin Schroth Art as we see it is a uniquely human creation delving into life, expression, emotions, and imagination to produce objects that can move or inspire others. It has been a part of humanity even before written history existed. Some of the oldest discovered human creations, such as primitive cave drawings that are thousands of years old, are proof that no matter the era, humans have a desire to create art. This itch Read more…

By accessible-japan, 2 yearsMarch 26, 2020 ago

Women in Kimono looking at cherry blossoms

Cherry Blossom Viewing in a Wheelchair

When visiting Japan in the spring, no one wants to miss the cherry blossoms. Japan has turned cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, into both an art and an event. While the areas where cherry blossom viewing takes place is generally wheelchair accessible, there are some things that people with disabilities should take into consideration. Crowds This one is pretty obvious, but at the same time it can be hard for people not used to Japan’s Read more…

By accessible-japan, 2 yearsMarch 15, 2020 ago

National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan

A Message from an Artist

*This photo was taken when I viewed the permanent exhibition at the National Museum of Ethnology. However, viewers are not allowed to touch the art. [Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, exhibitions at The National Museum of Ethnology are postponed until Autumn 2021.] By Yoko-Sonya In November 2019, I attended a symposium on the current status and issues of the universal museum in Japan at the National Museum of Ethnology in Osaka, Japan. According to one Read more…

By accessible-japan, 2 yearsFebruary 19, 2020 ago

Traveling in Japan over New Years

Traveling in Japan over New Years can be exciting… and horrible. The New Years holiday in Japan is similar to Christmas in the West – a time of visiting family and resting from work. However, transportation overcrowding and holiday closures of shops and restaurants can be a headache, especially for disabled travelers. But don’t let that discourage you! It is a great time to catch a glimpse of events that only happen once a year. Here are Read more…

By accessible-japan, 2 yearsDecember 26, 2019 ago

Sign in front of the Tokyo 2020 National Stadium

A Visit to the Tokyo 2020 National Stadium

This past Saturday was the public grand opening of the National Stadium that will be used for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. Winners of a ticket lottery were able to look around the stadium and enjoy a special opening event that included traditional dances, performances by athletes and musical artists. Since Accessible Japan has been working with Asahi Shimbun (newspaper) on video content about accessibility in Tokyo, we were able to visit as press Read more…

By accessible-japan, 2 yearsDecember 23, 2019 ago