97: Why a more accessible Japan is better for everyone w/ Josh Grisdale

Today we're joined by Josh Grisdale, who has cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair in his daily life. He moved to Japan in 2007 and became a Japanese citizen in 2016.

Josh has used his intimate knowledge of getting around Japan in a wheelchair to set up and run the website Accessible Japan, which provides the latest accessible travel information for people coming to, staying and living in Japan.

Josh argues that creating a more accessible Japan is better for society as a whole, and that despite Japan being a world leader in physical mobility infrastructure, there's still plenty to improve across the country when it comes to inclusivity.

Read more:

Accessible Japan • Behind the push to improve universal access in Japan • (Mara Budgen, The Japan Times)

• What will be the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics? • (Deep Dive)

• Tokyo robot cafe offers new spin on disability inclusion • (The Japan Times)

The Japan Times coverage of the Paralympics

On this episode:

Josh Grisdale: Twitter | Accessible Japan

Oscar Boyd: Twitter | Articles | Instagram

Announcements:

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Photo: Accessible Japan founder Josh Grisdale visits Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, one of the country's most popular tourist sites. | Josh Grisdale/Accessible Japan