Digital disability certificates replace vexing paper versions

Extract from The Asahi

May 7 2025

OSAKA – A free app developed by an Osaka company is steadily helping more disabled people around Japan avoid potential aggravations and delays when they seek special benefits and services.

The app was developed by Mirairo Inc., a consulting firm for universal design led by a president who has experienced such inconveniences himself.

To receive government services and discounts for disabled people, the applicants generally must show a disability certificate issued by local authorities.

However, disabled people have had many problems with the paper certificates, including how easily they can be damaged and the time-consuming process of replacing lost certificates.

Mirairo’s app was developed in 2019 as a solution to such troubles by digitizing the certificate process.

Although a number of kinks need to be ironed out, more than 300 local governments have authorized the Mirairo app for use as valid ID when disabled users apply for certain administrative services or discounts at public facilities.

In addition, more than 4,000 businesses offer Mirairo app users discounts on such things as train tickets and admission to zoos and sports events.

Under Mirairo’s system, disabled people take pictures of their disability certificates and then sign up for the app.

The company creates QR codes containing information about the certificate holders after confirming the authenticity of their disabilities. This is done through inquiries to local authorities and the use of artificial intelligence to detect fakes.

The 47 prefectural governments and cities with a population of 200,000 or more are responsible for issuing the official certificates to people with physical, intellectual and mental disabilities, including schizophrenia patients.

According to Mirairo, these local governments issue 283 kinds of disability certificates. They vary in shape, size, format and content.

Holders are required to apply for a new certificate whenever they relocate.

Mirairo believes its app can ease confusion and trouble from the start.