Tokyo works to boost Paralympic profile before 2020 Games

public ignorance of disability

Finally, the first step is to admit the problem with society in Japan. There is so much stigma against disabled people in Japan and I'm not talking about people in wheelchairs I'm talking about other mental sicknesses.

Nearly half of Tokyo's residents can't name a single Paralympian

I can't either and I already waste far too much time watching sports to care. There is far more to life than "bread and circuses".

I bet nearly half of Tokyo residents also have huge holes in their knowledge of politics, culture, history, and a whole host of life skills about money and physical and mental health. I don't live in Tokyo but I know I do.

gogogoToday  07:16 am JST

public ignorance of disability

Finally, the first step is to admit the problem with society in Japan. 

Not sure I agree. Japan may have a problem and it definitely needs work, but the lack of public attention to Paralympics is a world-wide phenomenon. I doubt most people in any country could name a single paralympian, not just Japan.

Miki Matheson, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist even says in the article:

"In many cultures, disability has been associated with stereotyping, prejudice and stigma" and Japan is no exception, she told AFP.

I do think promoting the Paralympics can be an effective first step in combating problematic Japanese approaches to disability, rather than the other way around as you seem to be suggesting. And even if it doesn't work:

Governor Koike said the adjustments could have benefits for the city well beyond the Games, helping prepare "our city for the super-aging society" that Japan faces.

I think we can all agree this is the real reason for all this interest in the Paralympics.

How about instead of having 2 SEPARATE events and 2 SEPARATE logos etc, combine them together? And dont give me that crap about them having to use the same venues. So? Then let them compete and hour earlier or later, it's not rocket-science.

Also, let the paralympians go first, the fact that they have disabilities and can still compete in the same sport as a non-disabled person is far more impressive.

Oh and increase TV coverage by A LOT!

The stigma is a global issue, not just in Japan...

The real problem (fact) is that "most" have no interest in watching the Paralympics. It is boring and/or uncomfortable to watch for those who do not have a disabled friend or family member (they can't relate).

Nearly half of Tokyo's residents can't name a single Paralympian

The fact that the other half can is actually quite impressive to be honest. The only one I can think of is Oscar Pistorius. Is there a well known Japanese paralympian?

90% accessible underground? Bull. Take something heavy with you on a cart and spend the day cruising around Tokyo. You will not believe how bad it is getting around with poor signs, and especially entering in ticket gates, going up an escalator or elevator only to find a long flight of steps lies ahead, so you have to back out and get your ticket back and it is a freekin hassle.

In all fairness I doubt that most people in their respective countries could name a Paralympian. There are several high profile disabled athletes here in the UK, but beyond Tanni Grey-Thompson I would challenge anyone to name one... so I'm not surprised that half of the people in Tokyo couldn't name a member of the Japanese Paralympian team.