Summer music festivals are major events that heat up the hot summer days. In Japan, events like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic offer a unique sense of presence that many people enjoy.

However, not everyone can experience these events in the same way. What about individuals who are deaf? Enter Not Impossible Labs, a company that provides access to music for people with disabilities. They have developed a new music experience using a vest equipped with vibrating devices, allowing users to feel the rhythm on their skin.

Moreover, at music festival venues, various initiatives are in place to make music enjoyable for everyone, such as subtitles displayed on screens and headphones/earplugs to reduce noise.

Such discussions extend beyond disabilities and apply to our daily lives. Japanese subtitles that allow us to watch foreign films, real-time commentary systems for rugby matches that allow even those unfamiliar with the rules to enjoy the game, and more. Observing the familiar topic of entertainment might provide us with new perspectives on accessibility.

ANA offers a website that compiles information for foreign tourists to participate in and enjoy Japanese festivals to the fullest. This article introduces various methods for comfortable participation in festivals, including experiences at stalls, participating in ethnic dances like Bon Odori, and even how to carry a portable shrine (mikoshi). Since festivals often have unique cultural aspects deeply rooted in tradition, participating in them can be a challenge for foreign tourists. Reading this article can undoubtedly make it easier for them to engage in festivals.

Physical safety is a major concern for Black travelers when they journey abroad. In recent years, apps have emerged connecting Black travelers with overseas Black communities to cater to their needs. These apps share information about safe places to eat, recommended clubs, and more to ensure safe travel experiences. Moreover, these apps encourage engagement with local Black communities, making travel experiences multifaceted and enriched. This can be seen as a new safety net for Black travelers enabled by technology.

Through its “Barrier-Free” program, Netflix held a screening event on January 30th in Seoul for the new sci-fi action film “Jung_E,” catered to visually and hearing-impaired audiences. The event featured descriptive subtitles on screen for the hearing-impaired, along with live narration describing the on-screen action for the visually impaired. While receiving praise, there are concerns that genres other than action movies, such as romance or drama, might involve more subjective portrayals, highlighting ongoing challenges.

Morgan’s Wonderland boasts over 25 attractions and experiences, including rides, play areas, gardens, a picnic area, an amphitheater, and an 8-acre catch-and-release fishing lake. Each attraction is wheelchair accessible, and guests with disabilities receive free admission. Since its opening in 2010, the park has welcomed over 2 million guests from across the country and the world.