Honorary Member of the Japanese Society for the Study of Human Welfare and Culture
Sekiya Sonoda

1. Why is Travel Enjoyable?

Among the various forms of recreation, travel—both domestic and international—is particularly popular. Looking at the reality of leisure time activities for Japanese people in the Leisure White Paper, the popularity of travel is overwhelming. Overseas travel is time-consuming and expensive for the Japanese, being an island nation, so participation rates are not high, but it consistently ranks at the top when asked about leisure activities one would like to try in the future.

Longing to travel seems to be rooted in human nature. Humans began settling in one place around 4,000 to 5,000 years ago with the advent of agriculture, but for hundreds of thousands of years before that, humanity was constantly on the move in search of food. The longing for undiscovered lands, as expressed in the phrase "Happiness resides beyond the mountains," might be a desire deeply embedded in our genes.

That being said, travel in the past was not as easygoing as it is today. Transportation was not as advanced as it is now, with horses being the primary means of travel, and most journeys were made on foot. Roads were often poorly maintained, steep mountains and unbridged rivers posed obstacles, and in remote areas, there were threats of brigands and bandits—a journey fraught with danger. However, during the Edo period's "Era of Peace," conditions improved, enabling common people to travel safely. With the development of transportation infrastructure such as roads, post towns, and various modes of transportation like horses and palanquins for carrying people, as well as the dissemination of travel information, it became possible to embark on journeys like Yajirobei and Kitahachi traveling down the Tokaido for leisure.

Note : In the story of Tokaidochuhizakurige, a comic book first printed between 1802 and 1814, the main character Yjirobei and Kitahachi continue their carefree journey while exchanging jokes.

As modernization progressed since the Meiji Restoration, the expansion of the railway network allowed people to travel to distant places quickly. From the Taisho period to the early Showa period, the popularity of traveling to places for sightseeing grew. After a setback during the wartime period, individual travel centered around families became mainstream during the post-war period of rapid economic growth. Additionally, with the backdrop of a prosperous society, overseas travel became more common, with the number of travelers exceeding 10 million in 1990. Destinations ranged from Hawaii and Taiwan initially and expanded to Southeast Asia, America, Europe, and even Africa—travel to countries all around the world became possible for anyone who wished to go.

It is still fresh in our minds that the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought travel to a sudden halt, as international tourism, which had been approaching 20 million departures and nearly 30 million inbound tourists, vanished overnight. Domestic travel, including local trips, also faced restrictions, dealing a heavy blow to the tourism industry. However, the desire for travel has not diminished; if anything, it has grown stronger. As the pandemic subsides (though it has not yet completely ended), along with government support for tourism, recreational travel is rapidly making a comeback.

2. Travel for Individuals with Disabilities and Normalization

When it comes to travel for individuals with disabilities, normalization in this field has been slow in coming. As mentioned in the first article of this series, there was a widespread belief that it was impossible for individuals with disabilities to travel freely because of inferior treatment that has been embedded in the social welfare system. Signs of change began to emerge around the International Year of Disabled Persons in 1981. Awareness campaigns for normalization were launched, and the barrier-free movement, starting with the elimination of architectural barriers, spread. Efforts were made to install ramps alongside stairs, elevators and escalators were added to train stations, and tactile paving blocks were developed. As towns became more accessible for individuals with visual impairments and those using wheelchairs, there was a growing interest in improving travel conditions.

In 1995, the Tourism Policy Council stated, "Everyone has the right to travel. Travel possesses the natural healing power, and the freedom to travel is especially valuable for those with mobility limitations such as individuals with disabilities and the elderly." This declaration served as a catalyst for travel agencies and tourist facilities to actively work towards becoming barrier-free. In the year 2000, the Law for Promotion of Smooth Transportation Utilization for the Elderly and Disabled Persons in Public Transportation (Transportation Accessibility Improvement Law) was also enacted. A book titled Creating Barrier-Free Travel (written by Noritoshi Takahagi), published that year, identified various barriers to travel and provided practical examples and advice on overcoming them to achieve a personalized journey. This book encouraged many individuals with disabilities.

In 2013, the Act for Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities was enacted, leading to the requirement of "reasonable accommodations" for administrative and citizen action to ensure that discrimination based on disabilities is eliminated in all aspects of life. Naturally, this also includes consideration for the desire of individuals with disabilities to travel. Nowadays, when visiting any travel company, there is meticulous attention given to accommodating travelers with disabilities. They introduce caregivers who provide assistance from transportation to daily living throughout the entire itinerary, arrange barrier-free transportation and hotels, and create comfortable travel plans. They also make sure to consider the use of disability identification cards and discounts for entrance fees to tourist facilities. Of course, there is a cost involved, but is a big step forward for individuals with disabilities to position themselves as customers in the travel industry without being separated from the rest population.

3. Change of Mindset in Travel

As travel becomes a recreational activity for everyone, new perspectives are being sought for the content of travel. In the past, when thinking of travel, the phrase "sightseeing" comes to mind – visiting unfamiliar places, enjoying the scenery, relaxing in hot springs, savoring delicious meals, and returning home. However, there is now an argument for advancing beyond this, aiming for higher-quality recreation.

At the core of this is a shift from "scenery to humanity." It is not only about taking pictures of beautiful landscapes as shown on tourist posters but also about experiencing the lives of people inhabiting these regions, engaging with local communities, delving into the culture rooted there – learning about songs, dances, performances, as well as the history and stories of individuals who have made an impact. These diverse experiences constitute the true essence of travel, enabling personal rejuvenation (recreation).

Especially in the case of overseas travel, the differences in landscapes are one aspect, but the disparities in cultures are even more evident. Language barriers make communication challenging, and there are often unfamiliar customs and cuisines. Even music and art can present peculiar impressions. However, upon closer interaction, these unique cultural elements gradually become familiar and enjoyable. The phrase "everyone is different, and that's fine," often used lately, is particularly fitting for overseas travel. This sense can bridge diverse ethnicities worldwide, bridge gaps between nations, and eventually contribute to global peace.

In domestic travel, the cultural differences might not be as significant, and thus, these effects might seem less pronounced. However, there is another significance. When traveling abroad, people often realize that foreign individuals, who initially seemed completely different, exhibit similar human emotions and feelings, leading to the realization that "all humans are the same, we are all siblings." On the other hand, within the country, assuming that "we're all the same as fellow Japanese" can lead to interactions that reveal the unique ways of life in various regions and the individuality of those who live there. This can prompt a deeper appreciation of human diversity, leading to new discoveries that were previously unnoticed. It allows for a profound mutual understanding rooted in Japan's common cultural foundation.

The lives of individuals with disabilities can also be considered as a unique culture. If travel itineraries incorporate opportunities to engage with the lives, cultural activities, and social engagements of disabled individuals in a particular area, both visitors and hosts could gain significant insights. By maintaining these connections even after the journey, it becomes possible to enhance the quality of daily life.

Dr. Minoru Kamata, renowned for his contributions to community medical activities, is a fervent traveler and has authored a book titled Don't Give Up on Travel. His words in this book convey that individuals with disabilities and the elderly should embrace travel more – that travel revitalizes the body, instills confidence in the heart, and enriches one's life.