Do you know about the barrier-free map?
According to Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the following definition is provided.
A map that compiles information about stations, public facilities, roads, parks, etc., where barriers have been removed so that everyone can use the facilities and services equally.
Source: What is a barrier-free map? Introduction to the content and features of the map
Okayama Prefecture is also working on creating a barrier-free map in collaboration with the app WheeLog, which shares barrier-free information based on the experiences of wheelchair users, but since the information changes daily, it needs to be constantly updated.
To create a barrier-free map, Miho Moriue, who is planning a wheelchair walking event mainly in Kurashiki City, is organizing a talk session with wheelchair users participating in the event in Soja City in January 2026.
I have heard about her thoughts on what she wants to convey to the citizens of Soja City through the lecture.
What is the wheelchair walking event?
In Kurashiki City, the "wheelchair walking event" is held every spring and autumn, where wheelchair users and able-bodied individuals form groups to walk around the city while creating a barrier-free map.
In previous years, it was held in the Bikan Historical Area, but in the autumn of 2025, it will be held in a new location, Kojima Jeans Street, as the event challenges itself in a new venue.
The organizer of the event is Miho Moriue, a physical therapist.
She is active in disseminating barrier-free information about tourist facilities and restaurants in Okayama Prefecture so that wheelchair users can enjoy sightseeing freely.
A wheelchair walking event is scheduled for March 22, 2026 (Sunday) in Soja City, and she is looking for people to join her.
The wheelchair walking event in Soja City in March will produce a paper barrier-free map that anyone can pick up.
What is the "Fostering Support Capacity" lecture?
The "Fostering Support Capacity" lecture will be held on January 18, 2026 (Sunday) from 7 PM at Chuppi Hall, Soja City Hall.
It is organized by the Okayama Prefecture Wheelchair Walking Event Executive Committee, composed of organizations that support the wheelchair walking event.
The executive committee includes wheelchair users, and participation of those who need consideration, such as wheelchair users, is also expected. Since there are medical professionals involved, people who need medical care can also participate.
Those who need consideration should inform the organizers of what kind of consideration is needed when applying.
Caregivers are also required to pay a participation fee of 2,000 yen.
The lecture will be divided into two parts.
- Keynote speech by Ryo Nagano
- Talk session
Ryo Nagano, who will give the keynote speech, has been using a wheelchair since childhood due to congenital cerebral palsy.
After graduating from the senior high school of a special support school, he went on to university and got a job, but he also experienced physical and mental difficulties. Currently, he is actively involved in the 11-member wheelchair e-soccer team "ePARA United," as well as participating in events and media appearances.
The speakers for the talk session are the following three individuals.
- Atsushi Omori
CEO of CONE・Xi, Okayama Universal Tourism Research Association - Sota Yamane
CEO of TheraGATE, Kasaoka City Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team - Shuhei Doi
Member of LLC 28, Representative of Day Service Soda
Interview with the organizer
I interviewed Miho Moriue, the organizer of the "Fostering Support Capacity" lecture, about her thoughts on the event.
Please tell us the purpose of holding the lecture.
Moriue (no honorifics)
In 2026, we will hold a wheelchair walking event in Soja City, so I planned this lecture to gather companions for that.
Ryo Nagano, who will give the keynote speech, is also one of the participants in the wheelchair walking event in Kurashiki.
Having a congenital disability and living a wheelchair life, Nagano is always the mood maker at the center of the circle of people around him. And he is a genius at relying on others.
I have a lot to learn from Nagano's mindset, which values connections with people and actively challenges everything.
This time, Nagano will speak using "support capacity" as a keyword, helping attendees realize that there are "places to rely on besides family" for both people with disabilities and caregivers.
A "community co-creation talk session" is also planned after the keynote speech.
Moriue
By the time Nagano finishes his keynote speech, everyone in the audience should feel positively, thinking, "Maybe I should rely on someone too."
In the latter half, we will have people who are active in Okayama Prefecture with the keyword "welfare x ○○" share their initiatives.
Atsushi Omori is working on welfare x travel and realized a group trip to the Osaka-Kansai Expo with people with disabilities in 2025.
Sota Yamane is working on welfare x sports and is involved in promoting ground golf, which is an official event of the "Nenrin-pick (National Health and Welfare Festival)," known for its popularity among seniors.
Shuhei Doi is working on welfare x community development and operates the community-oriented day service facility Soda in Soja City.
Through the discussions of these three individuals, attendees will gain a concrete image of what reliable resources are available for people with disabilities and those around them.
Moriue's goal is to "gather companions for the wheelchair walking event." Could you tell us a bit more specifically?
Moriue
In 2026, with the support of the Okayama Foundation for Creating Together, we will create a barrier-free map for Soja City.
However, since there is no record of holding a wheelchair walking event in Soja City, we are currently looking for companions to join us in this activity.
If you feel that you want to have companions among wheelchair users and their families after hearing Nagano's talk, I hope you will participate in the wheelchair walking event on March 22 (Sunday).
On that day, we will also have a welfare equipment experience session, providing an opportunity to connect with people in the welfare field.
As a physical therapist, I often have opportunities to hear from caregivers about the struggles of carrying the burden of caregiving alone. The existence of a barrier-free map is necessary information for such individuals, and I hope that by being involved in the process of creating it, they can meet companions as well.
What do you want attendees to feel through the lecture?
Moriue
Ryo Nagano, the mood maker and genius at relying on others, has gone through various experiences to reach his current mindset. These are stories that can resonate with everyone living in modern society, regardless of whether they have a disability or not.
I want many people, regardless of age or disability, to feel positive.
Nagano's episode of "having a light footwork despite not having legs," which he shared while participating in the wheelchair walking event from Kanto to Kurashiki, will surely inspire everyone to do their best starting tomorrow.
Please give a message to the readers.
Moriue
I have a message from Nagano for the readers, so I will read it on his behalf.
The theme this time is "support capacity."
There are many things I could do and sights I could see because I relied on others.
Regardless of whether you have a congenital disability or not, there will surely be times when you need the help of your companions.
On the day of the event, let's think together about "support capacity," incorporating episodes that occurred in Okayama.
We sincerely look forward to your participation.
Conclusion
In the currently showing movie Last Man - FIRST LOVE, the protagonist, played by Masaharu Fukuyama, who is completely blind, solves incidents by relying on others to utilize his talents.
People with disabilities are no longer seen as subjects of protection, but rather as members of society who help each other while relying on those around them.
In this era, it is appropriate to take a moment to consider what "support capacity" means for everyone living in a coexisting society, making this lecture a fitting opportunity.
Data on the "Fostering Support Capacity" Ryo Nagano lecture
| Name | "Fostering Support Capacity" Ryo Nagano Lecture |
|---|---|
| Date | January 18, 2026 (Sunday) 7 PM - 9 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM) |
| Location | 1-1 Chuo, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | 2,000 yen per person |
| Website | Official Instagram of Team Buratabi Okayama |
