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Commendations for Contributors to the Promotion of a Barrier-free Environment Tuesday, January 17, 2006 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi conducted a ceremony honoring contributors to the promotion of a barrier-free environment at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. This ceremony is to honor organizations and individuals that have made outstanding achievements and contributions from the viewpoint of effectively and comprehensively promoting a barrier-free environment throughout society, in both soft and hard aspects, so that all people, including the elderly and handicapped, can lead a safe and pleasant social life. This year marks the fourth ceremony and two organizations received the Prime Minister's commendation. One of them, a manufacturer in Fukuoka Prefecture, had worked for years to realize barrier-free environments in toilets, bathrooms and other domestic facilities. Through product development and research, the manufacturer sought to create products that are convenient and easy to use for a wide range of people, thus actively helping the promotion of a barrier-free environment. The other recipient was Osaka Placement Assistance Network for Person with Disabilities, a specified non-profit organization. The network aimed to "make Osaka the city with the highest job rate for the handicapped in Japan." Its activities included holding forums on the employment of handicapped people and promoting other measures to provide relevant know-how. In his address, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I hope the commendation will help the recipients further promote their activities and contribute to advance a barrier-free environment. I would appreciate your cooperation in this respect."