Wishing you a Barrier Free Solstice from Japan! [Podcast Episode]

By Barrier Free Japan

December 22 2025

KOBE – Well, that’s more or less a wrap for 2025! There was a story on December 19th that Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced the results of a survey showing that, as of June 1, the number of people with disabilities working at private companies stood at 704,610, a 4.0% increase from the previous year. This marks the 22nd consecutive year in which the figure has reached a record high. However, only 46.0% of companies achieved the legally mandated employment ratio of 2.5%, unchanged from the previous year.

I might make a few podcast episodes should something momentous happen, other than that, have a Barrier Free Solstice, New Year and Disability News Japan will return in 2026!

Episode notes:

‘700,000 People with Disabilities in Japan Employed by Companies; Only 46% Meet Employment Quota’:

700,000 People with Disabilities in Japan Employed by Companies; Only 46% Meet Employment Quota