A 60-year-old woman with an intellectual disability in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, was denied a UR rental apartment despite having spent more than a year preparing to live independently with support from a local nonprofit, prompting concerns that the agency’s requirement for a co-resident family member constitutes discriminatory treatment.
A Mainichi Shimbun survey found that one in four major Japanese companies failed at some point to provide legally required reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, despite strengthened obligations under disability discrimination and employment laws. Of the 92 firms responding, 23 reported such failures, citing issues such as inadequate workplace environments, high costs and time needed to make facilities barrier-free, poor coordination or communication with employees, and cases where insufficient support led to resignations. While most companies also reported successful accommodations—including job-coaching support and allowing tools like earmuffs or sunglasses—many called for clearer case studies and a dedicated consultation desk to help assess appropriate measures without creating undue burdens.
A 60-year-old woman with an intellectual disability in Hirakata, Osaka Prefecture, was denied a UR rental apartment despite having spent more than a year preparing to live independently with support from a local nonprofit, prompting concerns that the agency’s requirement for a co-resident family member constitutes discriminatory treatment. The woman had practiced living alone in an NPO-rented unit, staying several nights a week and managing household tasks with periodic help from care workers. As The Mainichi Shimbun reported on November 15, disability-rights advocates argue that imposing conditions not required of non-disabled applicants contradicts national policy encouraging people with disabilities to move from institutions into community-based housing.
Japanese author and sports writer Hirotada Ototake went viral after responding with sharp humor to a malicious comment on X (formerly Twitter) telling him to “stop pretending to be disabled.” Ototake, who was born without arms or legs, quoted the post and replied, “I’m terribly sorry for pretending to be disabled when all I’m missing are both my arms and legs.” The self-deprecating response earned over 23,000 likes and more than 2.5 million views, with many praising his wit and resilience. While most users lauded his ability to turn hostility into humor, others reflected on the deeper need for empathy, noting that laughter doesn’t erase the hurt behind prejudice.
A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access. The couple then realized the company’s decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities.
A couple in Tokyo were all set to move into a new home when a real estate agent abruptly relayed a message from the apartment management company. “We regret to inform you that we cannot proceed with the contract.”They repeatedly tried to get an explanation from the company but could not gain access.
The couple then realized the company’s decision to reject their application came soon after the property owner learned about their mental disabilities.
“Coexistence” is a word used in a variety of contexts, including the global environment, living things, and different cultures, but as a simple search for “coexistence society” reveals, in Japan it is a word that should primarily be used to consider the inclusion of people with disabilities. Japan, in particular, is the country where the horrific Sagamihara Massacre, a mass murder of disabled people, took place. If the meaning and obligation of using the word “symbiosis” in our country since that incident never crossed the minds of the planners and approvers of the Asahi Earth Conference 2024, then beyond feeling disappointed, I’m left with the suspicion that some more serious issue lies between “me” and you. By “me,” I mean Ichikawa Saou, a citizen, a person with a disability, and a subscriber to the Asahi Shimbun Digital newspaper.
Japan Post announced that a contractor employee at the Nagasaki Central Post Office was dismissed after writing a discriminatory remark on a delivery notice left for an elderly customer with hearing difficulties. The incident occurred on July 29 and came to light two days later when the customer reported it. Japan Post staff visited the customer to apologize directly. The company stated there was no prior trouble between the two and pledged to strengthen human rights awareness to prevent a recurrence.
Japan Post announced that a contractor employee at the Nagasaki Central Post Office was dismissed after writing a discriminatory remark on a delivery notice left for an elderly customer with hearing difficulties. The incident occurred on July 29 and came to light two days later when the customer reported it. Japan Post staff visited the customer to apologize directly. The company stated there was no prior trouble between the two and pledged to strengthen human rights awareness to prevent a recurrence.
Nagoya Mayor Hirosawa has apologized to disability groups for discriminatory comments made at a June 2023 public forum on barrier-free access in the planned wooden reconstruction of Nagoya Castle’s main keep. At the meeting, a wheelchair user’s request for an elevator was met with remarks such as “endure it” and “don’t confuse equality with selfishness,” along with a derogatory term, drawing applause from some attendees. Then-Mayor Kawamura and city officials present did not intervene, prompting public outrage. Following a review, the city pledged human rights training for staff, formal apologies, and measures to prevent a recurrence. Hirosawa said the city will work to balance historical authenticity with accessibility in the reconstruction plan.
Barrier Free Japan