Preparations need to be done ahead of Tokyo 2020. (Image via Japan Today)

Japan struggling to ramp up accessibility efforts ahead of Paralympics

TOKYO – Counting the days to August 25, 2020, there are still some things that need to be prepared. One of the issues is a shortage of wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms. Previously, the Tokyo 2020 organizers said that by holding the Paralympic Games, it will make Japan a more inclusive place.

However, the Tokyo metropolitan government stated that they still need to have 300 more accessible rooms with the total of 850. Each room is needed as the athletes and staffs’ accommodation for two weeks. They even admitted that they are behind schedule.

Back in April, according to Guardian, British Paralympic officials were shocked at hotels’ staffs in Yokohama due to their uncooperative in accommodating the needs to wheelchair athletes. The hotels demanded more payment for construction to make the rooms accessible, as well as to convert the rooms back after the games. The issue blew up in social media, where people asking whether Japan is really ready for the huge sport event. However, according to a British Paralympic source, the conflict has been resolved.

The good news is the International Paralympic Committee President, Andrew Parsons, recently visited Tokyo in May and he said he saw improvement of facilities in Tokyo. There are hotels in central Tokyo with accessible guest rooms and improvement regarding the existing facilities. He also stated that the International Paralympic Committee is currently finding solutions to each problem.

Source: https://japantoday.com/category/national/feature-japan-struggling-to-ramp-up-accessibility-efforts-ahead-of-paralympics