the conversion of housing to be barrier-free is supported by measures, for example, the financing interest of the Japan Housing Finance Agency’s (Independent Administrative Institution) “Flat 35 S Loan” is reduced for obtaining housing that fulfills a certain barrier-free level: subsidies are provided for barrier-free renovations; public housing and Urban Renaissance Agency rental housing which are newly supplied on the basis of the housing rehabilitation project are rendered barrier-free by standard specification; and assistance and other options are available for the development of serviced housing for the elderly by private sector businesses and others.

Also for architectural structures used by the general public, including those such as the elderly and disabled, architectured to be over a certain scale are required to be accessible in accordance with the “Barrier-free Law” and approved specific buildings that meet certain requirements are eligible for support measures such as subsidy programs. For government facilities that are used by unspecified but many users, development is promoted in accordance with the standards for encouraging smooth travel for buildings based on the “Barrier-Free Law,” thereby ensuring that all people including the elderly and disabled can use the facilities safely, comfortably and smoothly. For this, initiatives are being carried out to reflect the opinions of facility users such as the elderly and disabled in facility development.

Figure II-7-1-2 Approvals of Architecture for Specified Designated Building in Accordance with the "Barrier-Free Law"

Fiscal year	FY1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Number of certified plans (Fiscal year)	11	120	229	320	382	366	332	232	280	367	386	348	331	289	255	184	208	130	196	174
Number of certified plans (Total)	11	131	360	680	1,062	1,428	1,760	1,992	2,272	2,639	3,025	3,373	3,704	3,993	4,348	4,432	4,640	4,770	4,966	5,140

Source) MLIT

### b. Universal Design of Pedestrian Spaces

In accordance with the “Barrier-Free Law”, areas such as roads and station squares, which connect to facilities such as stations, government facilities, and hospitals, must ensure that everyone, including the elderly and disabled, should be able to pass through comfortably. This is achieved by promoting the universal design of pedestrian spaces through measures including: creating wide sidewalks; reducing unevenness, slopes, and grades; eliminating utility poles; and making guiding blocks for the visually impaired.

### c. Accessibility of Urban Parks and Other Areas

For the development of urban parks, there are standards and subsidies under the “Barrier-free Law” for safe and comfortable usage, like eliminating grade disparities at entrances, exits, and passages as well as ensuring facilities such as restrooms are usable by those such as the elderly and disabled. Also, to ensure that anyone can enjoy natural spaces such as rivers and ports, development of waterfronts and renovation of passenger ship terminals for better accessibility are promoted as an integral part of town planning.

## 2 Creating an Environment that Supports Child-rearing Under an Low Birthrate Society

(1) Supporting the Balance of Work and Child-rearing

a. Supporting the Supply of Housing Suitable for Child-rearing Households

In order to secure housing and living environments suitable for child-rearing households, a relocation system that allows comparatively spacious housing owned by those such as the elderly to be provided as rental housing to those such as child-rearing households and for this the Japan Trans-housing Institute’s (General Incorporated Association) owned home leasing program is being promoted. Also, support is provided through local government for the development and reduced rent of rental housing (high-quality regional rental housing) for child-rearing households as well as integrated development of public rental housing with child care support and other facilities.