【MEETING KENICHI KATO, THE CEO OF YAMAGATA BARRIER-FREE TOUR CENTER】

by Annie Liu

Barrier-Free Act was enacted in Japan in 2006 to promote changes in public transportation and buildings so that senior citizens and people with disabilities can move barrier-free. In addition, the Universal Design 2020 Action Plan was established in 2016 to realize an inclusive and harmonious society in which all people respect each other’s rights and dignity, and support one another. These initiatives have led to the installation of barrier-free toilets, elevators, and ramps in the public facilities of Japan, which accentuate Japan's aim of becoming a travel-friendly destination that welcomes people from all walks of life. 
 

In order to elevate Pingtung’s barrier-free actions, the NPTU USR program, “Making the Disadvantaged Life Different”, invited the CEO of Yamagata Barrier Free Tour Center, Kenichi Kato, to share Japanese accessible tourism experience and his inspiring life stories. Mr. Kato is the first person with Muscular Dystrophy to make a solo flight in a paraglider using motor controlled steering. Not only does he run the Yamagata Barrier Free Tour Center, but also runs a workshop that employs other people with disabilities from the communities. Being a creative entrepreneur, he discovered that many Japanese sake breweries use dollies to carry equipments around, and therefore many were already equipped with ramps, which provided a great opportunity to develop the accessible brewery tourism in Yamagata. In remarks, Mr. Kato looked forward to the boost of “barrier-free minds” of the society. Not only the installation of the barrier-free equipments, but also the public awareness of respect and equality toward people with disabilities, elders, families with children, and anyone who may need assistance. 
 

During the meeting, Professor Lee, the Co-Principle Investigator of SUZAKU PIONEER Project, appreciated the contribution that Mr. Kato and his team has made. The conversation with Mr. Kato motivated the members of SUZAKU PIONEER Project and raised the team’s attention on the children with disabilities in remote areas. SUZAKU PIONEER Project looking forward to further collaboration with Yamagata Barrier Free Tour Center, and the extension in rural education as well as students with special educational needs.