Barrier-Free (Accessible) in Japan: The Secret of Shampoo Bottles

Hello, elementary school students around the world! I teach barrier-free (accessible) design classes to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free (accessible) practices in Japan with you. Let’s use this information about Japan’s barrier-free (accessible) designs as a starting point to think about accessibility in your own country!

Quiz Time!

Here’s a quiz for you. Think carefully!

Q: Why can you tell the difference between shampoo and conditioner by touch?

1. The shape of the containers is different
2. The size of the containers is different
3. There’s a special mark on the containers

The answer is… C! That’s right, there’s a special mark on the containers.

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Design in Japan: The Shampoo Bottle Trick

In Japan, shampoo bottles have a special “notch” or ridged mark on the side of the container and on top of the pump. This is a clever design to help people who are blind or have low vision distinguish between shampoo and conditioner by touch.

Interestingly, this is an “industry standard” adopted by most manufacturers. This means that no matter which shampoo you buy in Japan, it will have this mark. Isn’t that amazing?

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Design Around the World: Design for Everyone

This idea of “Universal Design” is spreading worldwide. Universal Design means designing things so that everyone can use them easily, regardless of age or disability.

In America and Europe, they also have various designs to help people with visual impairments. For example, some countries make their paper money different sizes or add special patterns so people can tell them apart just by touch.

What About Your Country?

Now, here’s a question for you. In your country, what kind of designs are there to help people who are blind or have low vision? For example:

1. Are there Braille explanations on products in supermarkets and stores?
2. Are there special blocks on sidewalks for people with visual impairments (called tactile paving)?
3. Do trains and buses announce the next station or stop?

Try thinking about these with your family or teachers.

What We Can Do for a Barrier-Free (Accessible) Society

There’s a lot you can do too!

1. Be aware of people around you: If you see someone having trouble, try offering help.
2. Learn more about barrier-free (accessible) design: The more you know, the better you’ll understand what kind of help might be needed.
3. Talk about it: Discuss barrier-free (accessible) design with your school and family.

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Explorer Team

Remember the shampoo bottle mark we learned about today? Is it on the bottles in your house? Go to your bathroom and feel the shampoo container. Check if there’s a ridged mark. If you can’t find one, it might be fun to look for it next time you’re at a store.

Important Note

This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) practices and ideas might be different in other countries and cultures. Please talk with your family and teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about creating a world that’s easy for everyone to live in while respecting our differences. I’m not trying to force Japanese ideas on anyone. Also, always prioritize safety and act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.

Also, this article aims to generate interest in barrier-free (accessible) design rather than provide strictly accurate information. For accurate information, please check the websites of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) or relevant agencies in other countries.

For inquiries: https://lahainars.com/contact/

Note: I’m not very good at English, so please use simple and short English when contacting me.