Tactile paving indicating direction is seen ending at the top of stairs at JR Shimbashi Station on June 23, 2021. (Mainichi/Akihiro Ogomori)

       The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about tactile paving, which is supposed to assist people with visual disabilities, and how it often abruptly ends at some locations in Japan.

       Question: What types of tactile paving are there?

       Answer: They are also called "indicator blocks for blind or vision-impaired people," and there are two types: One with dot-shaped bumps to warn people at possibly dangerous places, such as the ends of platforms at train stations and on the top and bottom of stairs, and the other with linear protrusions which indicate the direction.

       Q: Are there rules in Japan where Braille pavements should be installed?

       A: There are guidelines regarding such pavements based on the accessible design law; for instance, ticket gates at train stations and areas in front of elevators are included in designated locations. The Japanese government determines "designated roads" around stations and welfare facilities, and urges the installation of uninterrupted tactile paving lines. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government said it has basically achieved incorporating accessible design, including tactile pavements, on a total of about 90 kilometers of roads in areas around Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games venues and other related sites.

       Q: A recent Mainichi Shimbun article talked about tactile paving lines that suddenly end. Isn't that a problem?

       A: There are often cases of Braille pavements that suddenly end on roads or inside station buildings. Due to this, people with visual disabilities need to remember the locations of tactile paving and where such blocks are suddenly cut off to walk smoothly when going out.

       Q: Why are there places where such pavements are cut off in the middle of a path?

       A: The administrators of roads and buildings decide where to install tactile paving, but it sometimes ends at borders between properties that are managed by different operators when they fail to cooperate. Bicycles and sign boards being placed on tactile paving and overhanging tree branches also cause problems. If you see someone with disabilities in trouble, please ask if you can assist them. Your help may save their life.

       (Japanese original by Tomoko Igarashi, Tokyo City News Department)

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