Japan Press Weekly

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2013 June 5 - 11 [WELFARE]

JCP works to install platform gates at subway stations in Tokyo

Nishihara Kazuko, a visually-impaired woman living in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, has nearly fallen off station platforms many times. Her husband, who also has impaired-vision, has fallen off platforms three times.

A visually disabled persons’ group to which Nishihara belongs has been involved in a movement calling for the installation of safety gates on platforms of all railroad stations in Tokyo.

The Law for Promoting Easily Accessible Transportation Infrastructure for the Aged and Disabled which came into effect in December 2006 in its supplementary resolution requires railway companies to install in their stations barrier-free equipment, including safety barriers.

Based on the provision, Japanese Communist Party Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly members have demanded the Tokyo metropolitan government to promote the installation of platform screen doors in stations of the Tokyo Metropolitan Subway. As a result, all stations of the Toei-Oedo subway line have platform gates.

“I want to build a society in which people can go anywhere without anxiety regardless of whether they have disabilities or not. The JCP has worked hard to help us meet our demand,” Nishihara said.