One thing I’ve really loved about living in Japan is how easy it is to get around without a car. I walk so much more here, and public transit makes it possible to go almost anywhere pretty easily.
Something that has stood out to me is how many older people I see out walking, shopping, taking trains, and just participating in everyday life. It feels different from Calgary, where so much of the city can feel built around driving. Hokkaido also gets plenty of snow, so being here has made me question the idea that Calgary’s weather is the main reason we can’t build more walkable communities.
It has made me think about accessibility in a broader way. Good public transit is not just convenient — it gives people more independence and more opportunities to participate in their community.
That idea connects to education for me too. The environments we build can either make participation easier or put unnecessary barriers in people’s way. I think that is something I’ll carry with me when I think about creating an accessible classroom.