As the Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics approach, scheduled to open on March 6, the article reflects on the social changes in Japan after it hosted the Summer Paralympics in 2021, under the theme of 'realizing a symbiotic society'. Shuuhei Awata, a 53-year-old user of an electric wheelchair, shares his experiences navigating the streets of Kamata, Tokyo, lauding improvements in accessibility. He notes that the installation of home doors at train stations has increased significantly since the Tokyo Games, marking a cultural shift towards enhancing the daily lives of individuals with disabilities.

Awata, who has congenital osteoporosis and hearing impairments, has been a dedicated spectator of the Paralympics since 2000. He participated as a volunteer at the Tokyo Games and proudly observes that the social landscape has evolved, with a noticeable rise in the percentage of train stations equipped with accessibility features like elevators and designated wheelchair spaces. The article highlights the government's commitment to achieving a 100% installation rate for multipurpose restrooms and the elimination of barriers at major transportation hubs by the end of the current fiscal year.

However, as Awata prepares to attend the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris, he reflects on the differences in attitudes and approaches towards accessibility in Japan versus France. While he appreciates the advancements made in Tokyo, his experiences in Paris prompt a reconsideration of how far Japan still needs to go in fostering an inclusive environment for people with disabilities. This contrasts illustrates both progress and the ongoing challenges faced in achieving true inclusivity in society.