Welcome to "Learn Japanese from the News."

In this program we'll learn Japanese and about the country through Japanese news stories.

With us in the studio is Tokunaga-sensee.

"Sensee, yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

"Yoroshiku onegaishimasu."

Our headline for today is:

Train Fares to Go Up by 10 Yen to Improve Station Accessibility.

Now, before we listen to the news clip in Japanese, let's go over some key terms.

"baria-furii."

accessible or easy access.

"hoomu-doa."

platform door.

"teeki-ken."

commuter pass.

OK, let's listen to the story in Japanese.

See if you can follow along.

In order to make train stations more accessible,

the government has created a system that allows railway companies to raise fares.

On March 18, railway companies in Tokyo and other areas used this system to raise train fares by 10 yen.

The railway companies will install platform doors to prevent people from falling onto the tracks, elevators, and more

to make stations easier to use for elderly people and those with disabilities.

Commuter passes for those other than students will also go up in price.

Monthly commuter passes will go up by 280 yen for JR East, and 370 yen for Tokyo Metro.

Today's story is about railway operators in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

But companies in and around the Osaka area have also raised their fares, to fund similar improvements to their facilities.

Chiara, what do you think?

Well, I think accessibility in Japan has improved a great deal since 10 years ago.

I agree.

There was a push to improve accessibility to public facilities in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

I definitely did notice an increase in elevators, in access points into trains, and in braille signs.

Right. That being said, there's still more work to be done.

So railway operators are trying to make their stations safer and easier to use.

Now let's review the following sentence from the story.

"kuni wa eki o
baria-furii ni suru tame ni"

"tetsudo no kaisha ga ryookin o
ageru koto ga dekiru seedo o tsukurimashita."

In order to make train stations more accessible, the government

has created a system that allows
railway companies to raise fares.

Now read along with me.

"kuni wa eki o
baria-furii ni suru tame ni"

"tetsudo no kaisha ga ryokin o
ageru koto ga dekiru seedo o tsukurimashita."

Tokunaga-sensee, what is the key to understanding this sentence?

The key is "baria-furii,"
an expression derived from English.

It means that an environment
is "free" of physical "barriers."

In Japanese, we call all measures
that make life easier

for elderly people and
those with disabilities "barrier-free."

It refers both to removing obstacles

as well as making modifications
that make something more convenient.

For example, adding sound
or music to traffic signals

to help people with visual impairments
cross safely.

That's interesting.

Now, "barrier-free" is also used in English, but it's kind of technical term, and it's not used as much as it is in Japan, for sure.

The word "baria" in "baria-furii"

has taken on a distinct meaning
in Japanese society.

For example, we use it to describe
both physical and emotional barriers.

That's true.

Like when you're with someone you don't know very well and you're acting distant or reserved.

You can call that "baria o haru."

Right.

We use "baria" to describe
a kind of invisible wall

that you put up
to protect yourself from attack.

That's really interesting.

Like, in the context you just described, in English we would say "to put up a wall."

So, although, we do also use the word "emotional barrier" when talking about mental blocks,

that perhaps prevent you from opening up about your feelings.

Recently, "kokoro no baria-furii"
is a common expression.

It's the notion that people
of all dispositions and beliefs

should work to better understand
and support each other.

Well that's definitely not a turn of phrase we have in English, but I agree with the sentiment completely.

"Tokunaga-sensee, arigato gozaimashita."

"Arigato gozaimashita."

Inside Japan.

So what changes can we expect at train stations, now that railway companies have raised the fares by 10 yen?

Good question.

We also look at some of the modifications being made.

In order to make their stations safer and more accessible, railway operators are speeding up the installation of "hoomu-doa."

Platform doors help prevent people who are blind or visually impaired from falling onto the tracks or being hit by trains.

Each set of doors generally costs about 4 million yen to install.

Companies are also working to improve step-free access.

In urban areas, many stations are already equipped with "erebeetaa" and "suroopu."

But there are places where the gap between the platform and train cars poses a safety risk.

In order to bridge these gaps, platforms are being fitted with "kadoo-suteppu."

When a train pulls in, steps extend from the edge of the platform before the doors open.

Tokyo Metro has announced plans to install these gap fillers at more of its stations.

I see.

There's really a lot of things to consider when making a train station accessible.

Exactly, and this is something they've been working on even before the recent price hike.

For example, they started installing these special elevators.

Oh nice! That reminds me of a cable car.

Yes! In Japanese we call these "shakoo-erebeetaa."

They're designed to follow the same incline as the stairs.

Installing a vertical elevator involves a lot of construction work, because you have to dig down.

But these inclined elevators cost less, because they can use existing spaces.

- Well, that sounds like a win-win to me.
- Right.

So, I bet we'll be seeing a lot more of these in the coming years.

And elevators, in general, provide really easy access to everybody.

And I think especially for visitors to Japan, who are carrying around large luggage.

Right.

At the same time, it's important to be considerate.

Let's give priority to wheelchair users, and others with mobility impairments, as well as people with baby strollers.

Yes, I agree, you definitely want to practice basic elevator etiquette.

So before you get on, take a look around, and see if there's anybody who needs it more than you do yourself.

Exactly.

Now, for those with limited mobility, even if they can get down to the platform, the gap at the edge can be a problem.

They may need help boarding the train.

For wheelchair users it's a good idea to ask a station attendant for assistance, when they enter the ticket gates.

Let the attendant know where you're headed.

You can say, for example:

"Tookyoo-Eki made ikitai desu."
(I want to go to Tokyo Station.)

"Densha ni noru no o tetsudatte kudasai."
(Please help me get on the train.)

And keep in mind that in rural areas there are train stations that aren't staffed.

So find out as much as you can about the stations you'll be using, before heading out.

I think as more and more train stations get upgrades, it'll make it easier for more people to ride Japan's wonderful train network.

Lastly, JR East, Tokyo Metro, and other railway companies provide station maps and information on train transfers, in multiple languages.

Check their websites for more.

And that's all for today.

We'll see you next time.

See you soon.