Digital disability certificates replace vexing paper versions
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.
Category: Barrier Free
‘Departures’ Actress Ryōko Hirosue Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, Suspends “all entertainment activities” [Podcast Episode]
Actress Ryoko Hirosue has announced a suspension of all entertainment activities after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hyperthyroidism, following hospitalization in Tokyo. The announcement comes after an incident in April where she was involved in a car accident and allegedly kicked a nurse, leading to her arrest and an ongoing police investigation. Her agency confirmed that she will continue outpatient treatment and focus on her recovery, while also cooperating fully with authorities, stating they do not attribute her actions solely to her illness and are committed to responding sincerely.
Golden Week ‘Shogai Podcast Shorts’ 1: Constitution Day [Podcast Episode]
One year after Japan’s revised ‘Act for the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities’ came into effect—mandating that businesses provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities—surveys show that public awareness remains low, with 60% of disabled respondents unaware of the new legal obligation. Experts stress that without such awareness, meaningful dialogue and support cannot occur, and call for stronger government-led information efforts.
“I’m in shock”: Autistic Man in Hiroshima Mistaken for Molester, Reported to Police [Podcast Episode]
A mother in Hiroshima reported that her 21-year-old autistic son was mistakenly accused of groping on a bus after failing to respond to a woman’s request to move, highlighting how individuals with developmental disabilities are often misjudged due to difficulties with communication and social cues; although the police confirmed no wrongdoing through surveillance footage, the emotional impact remains, prompting calls for greater public awareness and understanding—especially through visible aids like the “Help Mark”—to prevent such distressing incidents.
One Year After Japan’s Disability Discrimination Laws Were Revised, 60% of Disabled Are Unaware of Rights
One year after Japan’s revised Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities came into effect—mandating that businesses provide reasonable accommodation to people with disabilities—surveys show that public awareness remains low, with 60% of disabled respondents unaware of the new legal obligation. Experts stress that without such awareness, meaningful dialogue and support cannot occur, and call for stronger government-led information efforts.
Thoughts on Showa Day on the Controversial Book [Podcast Episode]
Tuesday 29th April was both ‘Showa Day’ and Michael Gillan Peckitt’s of the Disability News Japan Podcast birthday. Unusually he had to work that day, but he made a brief podcast on the way home about recent news regarding the book depicting neurodivergent people as animals.
Japan Government Strengthens Support for Local Government to Conduct Medical Checkups of 5-Year-Olds for Early Detection of Developmental Disabilities
The government has begun to strengthen its support for local governments to promote health checkups for infants and toddlers at the age of 5 years old, as it is effective in early detection of developmental disabilities. The program aims to provide appropriate support for children with developmental disorders before they start school, as it is easy to recognize the characteristics of developmental disorders. While local governments are obligated to conduct health checks for 18-month-olds and 3-year-olds, and “school entry health checks” conducted about six months before entering elementary school, 5-year-old health checks are optional, and only 14% of local governments conducted them in fiscal 2011. The Child and Family Agency aims to implement 100% nationwide by fiscal 2028.
Handmade Products by People with Disabilities Sold in Uji, Kyoto
This event is held annually in various locations by organizations such as the Japan National Council of Social Work Centers to promote understanding of the work and activities of people with disabilities, as well as to expand sales channels and increase their kochin (wages).
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The Barrier Free Japan Podcast April 19th – April 28th Digest Edition
As Golden Week approaches with Showa Day on April 29th, ‘Barrier Free Japan’ & ‘Disability News Japan’ has been busy! Here is a digest of recent news stories about disability issues in Japan.
Nippon Foundation Estimates 360,000 Young People in Japan have been Diagnosed with Developmental Disorders
On March 27, the Nippon Foundation announced an estimate that 364,000 young people between the ages of 20 and 25 have been diagnosed with developmental disorders. It said that 870,000 people believe that they have the disorder even though they have not been diagnosed. In order to understand the actual situation of young people who are unable to adapt to university life or job hunting, an online survey was conducted in November 2024. 17,398 people responded.
Barrier Free Japan 