Member-only story
Japan Cinema Under Fire for Suggesting Wheelchair User Go Elsewhere
While Japan has made advances in disability accommodation, a recent incident at Aeon Cinema suggests there’s still a long road ahead.
If you were to set foot in Japan today, you might miss it at first glance, but there’s been an extraordinary urban makeover over the past decade. From sleek ramps to shiny new elevators, cities have experienced remarkable transformation to embrace inclusivity. Japan is employing new designs to meet the needs of disabled and elderly individuals, paving the way for a barrier-free society.
Yet, inclusivity extends far beyond mere physical barriers. The recent incident at Aeon Cinema, where a staff member criticized a wheelchair user, is a glaring reminder.
Aeon Cinema: Not so barrier-free?
On the 15th, Ryoko Nakajima, a well-known wheelchair activist renowned on SNS, TV shows, and as a public speaker, shared her frustration on X. She recounted her recent experience at Aeon Cinema’s Grand Theater in Chofu, where she had opted for a premium seat. However, when she sought assistance from the staff at the movie’s end, she was taken aback by their response.
Rather than helping her, they expressed reluctance, citing time constraints, and…
