Fukuoka City Considers Expanding Disposable Diaper Subsidies for People with Severe Disabilities, Keeping Intellectual Disabilities in Mind

From The Nishinippon Shimbun

June 12 2026

FUKUOKA – On June 12, Fukuoka City revealed its policy to look into an early expansion of disposable diaper subsidies for people with disabilities, keeping currently ineligible groups like individuals with severe intellectual disabilities in mind. The announcement was made during a general interpellation session at the City Council, in response to a question from Hiroshi Tsutsui (Liberal Democratic Party).

According to the city’s Welfare Division for the Disabled Living at Home, the city’s Daily Life Equipment Benefit Project—which supports individuals with disabilities—currently provides a monthly subsidy of 12,000 yen for disposable diapers. This benefit is restricted to specific groups, such as individuals unable to use a stoma (artificial anus/bladder) or those with severe physical disabilities resulting from cerebral palsy developed before roughly 3 years of age. Conversely, individuals with severe intellectual disabilities, or those who acquired severe physical disabilities later in life due to traffic accidents or other causes, are currently excluded from the subsidy.

During the questioning, Tsutsui urged for broader support, stating, “Individuals with severe disabilities and their families are facing particularly difficult circumstances. We are hearing from those affected that the cost of disposable diapers is a significant burden.”

Koichi Fujimoto, Director of the Welfare Bureau, responded, “We will thoroughly look into expanding support for high-necessity items like disposable diapers with the goal of implementing it as early as possible.”