Barrier-Free Quiz: The Secret of User-Friendly Condiment Containers

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Quiz

Q: The photo at the top of this page shows ketchup and mustard containers. Who are these containers especially convenient for?

Hint: These containers can be easily used with just one hand.

Have you thought about it? Let’s see the answer!

A: They are convenient for people who have difficulty using one of their hands.

Quoted from Kewpie Corporation’s website (https://www.kewpie.com/sustainability/dietary-lifestyle/universal/)

Explanation

These special containers are particularly convenient for people who have difficulty using one of their hands because they can be easily opened and used with just one hand.

Regular ketchup and mustard containers often need to be held with both hands to open or squeeze, right? But these containers can be opened and used with just one hand, making it easy to dispense the contents.

This design is especially helpful for:

1. People who can’t use or have difficulty using one hand due to injury or disability
2. Elderly people who may have weak hands and find it difficult to open jars with both hands
3. People in temporary situations where they can only use one hand (e.g., when one hand is injured)

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Practices Around the World

The concept of barrier-free (accessible) design is spreading worldwide. Many countries have laws to protect the rights of people with disabilities and the elderly.

For example, in the United States, there’s a law called the “Americans with Disabilities Act” which requires public places and products to be accessible. Similar laws exist in Europe, promoting the creation of societies that are easy for everyone to use.

What About Your Country?

How about in your country?

• Have you seen containers that can be used with one hand in supermarkets?
• Are there facilities in schools or public places that are easy for wheelchair users to use?
• Where have you seen braille or audio guides for people with visual impairments?

Try discussing the barrier-free (accessible) situation in your area with your family or teachers.

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

You can also contribute to creating a barrier-free (accessible) society. Let’s start with the following:

1. Notice and understand the diversity of people around you
2. Offer help if you see someone having difficulties
3. Use barrier-free (accessible) facilities and products with care
4. Look for barrier-free (accessible) innovations in your immediate environment

Barrier-Free (Accessible) Explorer Team

Let’s become “Barrier-Free (Accessible) Explorers”! Try to find barrier-free (accessible) innovations like the special containers we talked about in the quiz.

For example:

• Can you find easy-to-use containers like these in supermarkets or convenience stores?
• Are there ramps that are easy for wheelchair users to use in schools or public places?
• Can you find innovations for visually impaired people, such as tactile paving or audible traffic signals?

It’s a good idea to discuss the barrier-free (accessible) innovations you find with your family and friends. Let’s work together to create a more convenient and friendly society for everyone!

Important Note

Finally, I have an important request for all of you.

This article is based on experiences and ideas from Japan. Barrier-free (accessible) initiatives and concepts may differ depending on the country and culture. Please discuss with your family and teachers about how things are in your country. Let’s think about a world where everyone can live comfortably while respecting our differences. This article is not meant to force Japanese ideas or my personal views on you. Also, always prioritize safety and act with trusted adults. Please keep this in mind.

Also, this article simplifies explanations with the main goal of getting you interested in barrier-free (accessible) design rather than being strictly accurate. 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: As I’m not very good at English, please send inquiries in simple and short English sentences.