Hello, students from all around the world! I teach barrier-free (accessible) classes to elementary and middle school students in Japan. I’m writing this article to share information about barrier-free (accessible) initiatives in Japan with you. I hope this information about barrier-free (accessible) design in Japan will inspire you to think about accessibility in your own country!
Quiz
A barrier-free (accessible) liquid soap dispenser can be used with just [ ] hand, allowing you to catch the soap in your palm with a single push.
Answer
The correct answer is: [one]!

Quoted from Beam Corporation’s website (https://tpo-collection.com/products/tp-hsb)
Explanation
This barrier-free (accessible) liquid soap dispenser is designed so that you can push it with just one hand and catch the soap directly in your palm. This clever design makes it easy to use for people who can’t use both hands or have limited strength.
For example, it’s convenient for someone with an injured hand, a parent holding a baby, elderly people, or anyone who has difficulty applying force with their hands.
This kind of thoughtful design is called “Universal Design”. Universal Design means creating things that are easy for everyone to use.
Global Barrier-Free (Accessible) Initiatives
The concepts of barrier-free (accessible) and universal design are spreading worldwide. For instance, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities emphasizes the importance of equal participation in society for all people.
In countries like the United States and in Europe, laws require public spaces and buildings to be accessible to everyone. For example, they make doors wider and remove steps to ensure wheelchair users can access buildings easily.
What About Your Country?
How about in your country? Have you noticed any barrier-free (accessible) designs in your schools, parks, or shops? For example:
- Are there spacious toilets that wheelchair users can use?
- Are there Braille signs or audio guides for visually impaired people?
- Are there playground equipment or facilities that are easy to use for elderly people or small children?
Try discussing these points with your family or teachers.
What We Can Do for a Barrier-Free (Accessible) Society
There are many things we can do to help create a barrier-free (accessible) society:
- Be considerate of others: If you see someone having trouble, try offering help.
- Learn about barrier-free (accessible) design: Read books or search the internet to deepen your knowledge.
- Share your ideas: Think of ways to make your school or community more accessible and suggest them.
- Be understanding: Recognize that everyone is different and respect each other.
Barrier-Free (Accessible) Explorer Team
There must be many barrier-free (accessible) designs in your town too! Try to find tools that can be used with one hand, like the soap dispenser we talked about. For example, what kind of designs can you find in park water fountains or shop doors? It can be fun to explore with your family. When you find something, think about who it’s designed for and how it helps!
Important Note
This article is based on experiences and perspectives from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) initiatives and ideas might be different in other countries and cultures. Please discuss with your family or teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about creating a world where everyone can live comfortably while respecting our differences. This article is not meant to force Japanese ideas on anyone. Always prioritize safety and act under the guidance of trusted adults.
Also, this article simplifies explanations to generate interest in barrier-free (accessible) design rather than providing 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 keep your inquiries simple and brief.
コメント