Japan’s Diet passes revisions to disability anti-discrimination law, private businesses now required to consider the needs of disabled people

From The Tokyo Shimbun

May 28 2021

TOKYO – The revisions to Law for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities were unanimously passed and enacted at the plenary session of the House of Councillors on May 28, requiring private businesses such as companies and stores to provide “reasonable accommodation” to support the mobility and communication of persons with disabilities.

Until now, only the national and local governments have been obliged to take into account the needs of the people, while private businesses were only required to make efforts. As time is needed for preparation, the effective date of the law has been set at a date no later than three years after its promulgation. The government will establish a consultation service for both businesses and people with disabilities, and promote the dissemination of case studies on what considerations need to be made, with the aim of enforcing the law as soon as possible.