Japan’s Disability Discrimination Laws are Revised, Requiring Private Businesses to Comply with ‘reasonable accommodations’

From Kyodo

March 14 2023

JAPAN – On 14th March, the Japanese Government decided to require businesses and other operators to provide ‘reasonable accommodations’, such as installing ramps for wheelchair users at shop entrances and exits, from 1 April 2024. The Cabinet approved the Cabinet Order on the revised Disability Discrimination Law. Until now, the State and local authorities have been obliged to provide reasonable accommodation, while the start date of the obligation for businesses was undecided.

The Government also revised the Basic Policy, which outlines specific measures to be taken. The scope of reasonable accommodations is “limited to that which is incidental to the original business”, so as not to place an excessive burden on businesses. It also includes the idea that the national and local governments should promote the development of a consultation service for persons with disabilities who feel discriminated against and for businesses that have trouble dealing with them.