Japanese Disability Advocate Hirotada Ototake Questions Ranking Disabilities by Hierarchy in Social Media

From Nikkan Sports via Yahoo! Japan

May 15 2026

TOKYO – Writer Hirotada Ototake (50) updated X on the 15th, expressing doubts about some opinions that rank types of disabilities as better or worse than others.

Ototake, who was born with a congenital condition resulting in the absence of limbs (“tetra-amelia”), quoted a post by a user who argued that support for people with mental disabilities should be prioritized over that for those with physical disabilities. He commented, “These kinds of ‘misery comparisons’ or ‘pulling each other down’ are not only meaningless, but actually counterproductive.”

He acknowledged a degree of understanding, saying, “I can understand that mental disabilities are difficult (though I am not personally affected), and because they are less visible than physical disabilities, I also understand the frustration of not being easily understood by others.” However, he added, “That said, if we start saying ‘more than people with physical disabilities’ and create hierarchies that stir division, I don’t think things will improve.” He pointed out, “Physical, mental, and intellectual disabilities all come with their own challenges. Wouldn’t it be better to work together and solve these problems collaboratively?”

Later, after receiving an explanation of intent and an apology from the user who made the original post, Ototake replied, “Not at all—if anything, I feel humbled. This was simply an expression of something I’ve long felt from encountering various posts and discussions, and I had no intention of specifically criticizing you. I apologize if it came across that way.” He concluded by encouraging, “Let’s raise our voices together to change this difficult-to-live-in society.”