Kanagawa Updates (May 2026)

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"Tomoiki" Square Opened
in Kanagawa Prefectural Sagamihara Park 

In order to create an inclusive society, Kanagawa Prefectural Government (K. P. G.) has been working to build“Tomoiki,” or “Living-together” Square, an inclusive playground with equipment accessible to everyone.  This initiative is part of its efforts to implement the philosophy of the ordinance entitled “Kanagawa Ordinance on the Welfare Promotion for Persons with Disabilities from the Perspective of Those Involved.”  K. P. G. opened Tomoiki Square on April 25, holding the completion ceremony on the same day. 

 

To prepare for construction, K.P.G. has asked people with disabilities for opinions and feedback starting from the planning stage. 　The government established a working group and hosted a trial session inviting 3,600 people including those with disabilities and their supporters.  This is the first such initiative for a prefectural urban park. 

 

The feedback included comments such as, “I want to choose what I play with myself,” “I want to play quietly at my own pace,” and “I want to play moving my body a lot.”  In response to these requests, Tomoiki Square is divided into four areas depending on the types of activities, with a variety of equipment installed in each area.    Each of the 18 pieces of equipment is thoughtfully designed down to the details.  For example, a hammock-type swing set is designed so that even people with a weak core can enjoy it safely, and on the seesaw, adults can play with little children while keeping an eye on them.  

 

   Children with disabilities are often not used to playing outdoors, so they may lack physical stamina and are sensitive to heat.  In response to the requests for places to rest or lie down, covered rest areas are installed at seven locations throughout the park.  Additionally, the requests for soft paving were reflected on the construction design to address the high risk of falls. 

Please come to “Tomoiki” Square and try various equipment. 

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the tragic incident occurred at Yamayuri-en.  To ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated, K. P. G. has formulated “Kanagawa Charter for a Society Living Together in Harmony” and “Kanagawa Ordinance on the Promotion of Welfare for Persons with Disabilities from the Perspective of Those Directly Affected.” Having been striving to realize an inclusive society over the years,  we will continue our utmost efforts to spread the philosophy of “Tomoiki” or living together in harmony.