Japan’s Upper House passes law to support people with dementia

From NHK World

June 14 2023

TOKYO – Japan’s Upper House of the Diet has enacted a bill aimed at providing support for people with dementia to live with dignity. It was unanimously approved on Wednesday.

A study group of the health ministry says the number of people afflicted with the condition in Japan is increasing annually. The group expects the figure to reach around 7 million in 2025.

The legislation obliges the government to establish a dedicated headquarters led by the prime minister. This body will be responsible for developing a plan to address the challenges associated with dementia, taking into account the opinions of people with dementia and their families.

In addition, the legislation urges the state and local governments to foster an inclusive society by improving transportation options and making medical care available to sufferers, regardless of where they live.

The law also calls for the development of products that are user-friendly and accommodating to the needs of people with dementia.