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Disabled Parking Spaces in Japan

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Parking spaces for the disabled in Japan

There are a growing number of parking spaces for the disabled around Japan. In fact, with the exception of historic buildings, Japan seems to be quite accessible for those with limited mobility. Car rental companies usually have a variety of vehicles specifically designed for wheel chairs or even with seats that rotate and lower the passenger. As would be expected the train system in Japan is excellent for disabled travelers. Hotels, likewise, have disabled parking and many hotels have disabled accessible rooms. (I believe it is mandatory for larger hotels.)

One thing that some people in Japan have yet to understand or value, is that disabled parking spaces are only for people who need them. Unfortunately, they are used by able-bodied people when car parks are almost full, to reduce the time walking to the front of the store, or when the disabled parking space is in the shade. I’ve seen it done by both men and women, old and young, rich and poor.

The repercussions for using disabled parking in Japan appear to be non-existant. People aren’t punished financially through fines, or socially by having other people point out that what they are doing is repugnant.

The photograph above is a case in point. I’m walking into the Sports Depo store, having parked in an almost empty large car park. As I approach the door, the vehicle on the right zooms into the disabled parking space by the doors and out pops a young Japanese man and woman in their twenties. They begin walking away from their car towards the store. As they come near me I ask them in Japanese if they are okay. They look confused. I tell them if they want I can go and ask the staff at the sports store if they have a wheel chair they can borrow. More confused looks. I point out that they are using the disabled parking space, and that I assume they’re disabled. They realize what I’m going on about, but are seemingly unaware of sarcasm. They say, no we’re fine, and carry on into the store.

Clearly sarcasm wasn’t the right way for me to have handled this, but maybe the guy will think differently next time. He may not care about the morality of the situation, but he might not want to risk the chance of being hassled by someone.

I’m not advocating dressing up in a Batman costume and becoming a vigilante, but if the general public pointed out to other members of the community that things like dumping trash in the bushes or parking in disabled parking spaces was unacceptable we might make where we live just a little bit better for everyone.

The Contender in the Canon Corner

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Michael Taylor - Fighting for Canon

Michael Taylor - Fighting for Canon

When I started studio photography I was fascinated with the catchlights in the eyes of models. I’d have my face pressed up against posters in department stores working out whether the photographer used a beauty dish, a parabolic, or clamshell lighting. Recently I’ve been looking at rim lighting, which is why I was standing staring at the Harry Potter posters as I left the cinema. Rim lighting can be used to accentuate form, which is why it really worked with the shots of Michael.

Visions of Japan on You Tube

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A couple of years ago I held a small exhibition at Cotonoha Art Space + Cafe. It’s a great place run by American expat Daryl “Michi” Mitchell, and well worth visiting. Hideki, one of  Michi’s friends,  asked if he could make a mini documentary about the event, and it was finally uploaded to You Tube a few weeks ago.

I’m aware that my name isn’t spelt correctly at times, but it’s a great reminder of a fun event. A big thanks to Keith Gordon of Ryukyu Underground for the use of his tracks as background music. More thanks to both Michi and Hideki for helping me put on the exhibition and creating the video.

You can see more images from my exhibitions in the following video. Music by Eduardo Terre.

Prints from the exhibitions are currently available through the website or at Kadena Gift Corner.

Dojo Bar, Naha

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No need for bouncers - James outside his new bar

This weekend was the official opening of Dojo a new bar in Naha aimed at the karate fraternity on the island. Brit, black belt, and all round nice guy, James Pankiewicz set up the bar with the hope that it can be a meeting point for karateka of all styles and nationalities.

In Okinawa even karate can be かわいい

On Saturday’s opening night half a dozen karate masters were sitting around one of the tables drinking together. It was the equivalent of setting up a soccer themed bar, glancing over and seeing Pele ordering beers for Maradona, Beckenbauer, Cruyff and Charlton.

Kobudo weapons on the wall of the Dojo bar.

Dojo bar is located a couple of hundred meters from the Makishi monorail station (north end of Kokusai street). Open 18.00 to 00.00, closed Tuesdays.

Dojo Bar, Naha, Okinawa

See more of images of James training in the Arakaki dojo and on the beach.

Photography 101 Workshop – August 13th & 14th.

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PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Weekend Workshop August 13th & 14th.

Who is the course for?

The beginner or novice photographer who has a digital SLR  and wishes to progress beyond the green fully auto mode. People who want to take better photographs of their friends and family rather than point, shoot and hope for the best.

What do I need to bring?

Your digital  SLR camera, lens, your camera manual, memory card, battery and charger. If you have a digital compact rather than a digital SLR camera then I can lend you a digital SLR for the course. You don’t need a particular brand of camera or lens.

What does the course cover?

Equipment – The anatomy of cameras, lenses, memory cards, filters and tripods.

Exposure – Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, Camera Modes, Metering

Composition – Angles, Repetition, Rules, Lines, Simplicity

Data Management – Sorting, storing and protecting your images.

This is a fun workshop rather than a lecture. As we cover new topics we will be taking photographs, reviewing the images, and discussing the results.  You’ll be learning by practicing each new skill rather than just reading about it.

Number of Students in the Class? Maximum of 4

Time and Place? 10.00 to 18.00 on August 13th & 14th. Class takes places at my home in Ishikawa (Uruma City), and surrounding locations. The workshop takes place both indoors and outdoors. It could be sunny or rainy so bring suntan cream and umbrellas! Bring some cash for the lunch breaks on both days.

What is the course fee? US$250 or ¥21,000

Who do I contact? To reserve a place send an email to chris@travel67.com (please write WORKSHOP RESERVATION on the subject line) Please state the name and date workshop you wish to book  A 50 dollar deposit is required. I’ll send a paypal request for the deposit to those who are booking the course.

Hamaori-sai, Chigasaki, Tokyo (Part 3)

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Hamaori-sai

The early start was all a bit too much for this little girl.

Hamaori-sai

This baby was equally unimpressed.

Hamaori-sai "Happi Dog!"

I did however find a happi dog. (This is a hilarious pun.The short sleeved jacket the dog is wearing is called a Happi. Please roll around on the floor with laughter.)

Mikoshi bearer with mikoshi-dako callous.

The man above is a katsugite (担ぎ手) or mikoshi carrier. The huge callous on his shoulder tells you that he always carries the mikoshi on his right shoulder and he does it a lot. I presume he take part in festivals all over Japan, it’s not something that would appear after just a single morning down at the beach.