Mayor Kentaro Motomura met on the 7th about the policy of igniting the Tokyo Paralympic torch at a facility for people with intellectual disabilities in Sagamihara City, where 19 people were killed. We decided that it would be difficult to get a broader understanding, "he said, withdrawing the policy and revealing that the firing location would be changed.
In March, Sagamihara City wanted to show its determination to realize a symbiotic society, and at the intellectually disabled facility "Tsukui Yamayurien" where 19 people were killed and 26 people were seriously injured five years ago. We have announced a policy to ignite the Holy Fire of the Tokyo Paralympics.
However, because the city did not explain the policy to the bereaved family and the victim's family in advance, it was canceled because some bereaved families and the victim's family felt uncomfortable with firing at the scene of the incident. There were a series of requests.
Mayor Kentaro Motomura held a press conference on the 7th and sent a letter to the bereaved family to ask their opinions again. As a result, more than 50 responses were received, and some agreed with and disagreed with the city's policy. After clarifying that, he said, "I decided that it would be difficult to gain widespread understanding," and said that he would withdraw the policy and change the firing location.
He added, "I regret that I didn't have enough attitude to be close to the bereaved family. I would like to take this opportunity to reconsider the way a symbiotic society should be."
The city will reconsider alternative firing locations and methods.
Bereaved family "I'm relieved to stroke my chest"
The mother, who lost her 19-year-old daughter Miho in the incident and requested the city to stop the fire, said through a lawyer, "I'm relieved to hear the change of location. Thanks to the many people who gave me this. Please do not do this again. It was a month and a half that hurt my heart. "
Expert "Continuing dialogue, never giving up, creating a symbiotic town"
Regarding this issue, Associate Professor Yuko Mita of Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School, who is familiar with the welfare of persons with disabilities, said, "Even if you think it's good, the recipient may feel incomprehensible or why they don't listen to you. It is possible that the thought may come first. In the relationship that you cannot say anything even if you receive support, you must not forget that you may make yourself lonely or hurt. " Pointed out that there is a problem with the government's response, which tends to reduce dialogue with the parties concerned.
On top of that, "This is not the end of this issue, and it is important to verify what is behind this happening. We will continue to have head-on dialogue with persons with disabilities and their related parties in the administration. I would like you to continue to create a symbiotic town without giving up your attitude. "