Japan lawmakers begin hearings on developmental disability law revision

By Barrier Free Japan

October 15 2026

TOKYO – A cross-party parliamentary group in Japan began hearing from experts on Oct. 13 as it steps up efforts to revise the Developmental Disabilities Support Act for the first time since 2016, with the aim of submitting an amendment bill during the 2027 ordinary Diet session.

The group, which brings together lawmakers from different political parties, held a general meeting at the Diet in Tokyo to examine shortcomings in the current law and consider ways to strengthen support for people with developmental disabilities.

The meeting opened with remarks made by Seiko Noda, a veteran Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker and former internal affairs minister who heads the group. Noda, who represents Gifu Prefecture in the House of Representatives, has been elected to the lower house 12 times and has held several senior government posts, including minister of consumer affairs and minister for gender equality. Measures for people with disabilities are among her stated policy interests.

Noda called on participants to speak candidly about the challenges they face in providing support, emphasizing the importance of hearing directly from people working on the front lines.

Executives from LITALICO and Kaien, Tokyo-based companies that provide services for people with developmental disabilities in areas including daily living, employment and education, attended the meeting. Representatives of Mirairo, a company specializing in disability inclusion and accessibility, also took part.

Among the issues raised during the discussions were the potential expansion of online support services and the need to ensure their quality and appropriate oversight. Participants also highlighted delays in the digitalization of welfare services, calling for greater use of digital technology to streamline administrative procedures that still rely heavily on paper-based applications.

The group plans to continue hearing from medical and welfare experts and coordinate with relevant government ministries and agencies before drawing up proposals for legislative changes.

The proposed revision is expected to address a range of issues, including the definition of developmental disabilities, the participation of people with disabilities in decisions affecting them, the promotion of reasonable accommodation, and improvements to the functions of support centers and the training of specialist personnel.

Disability support organizations have also called for stronger assistance for older people with developmental disabilities, reflecting concerns about whether existing support systems adequately address needs throughout adulthood and into old age.

The group had 167 Diet members as of Oct. 13, according to a report by a participant in the meeting. Its deliberations are expected to continue as lawmakers work toward submitting an amendment bill in 2027.