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Japan – Disability

Common Attitudes to Disability in Japan

In Japan, people with disabilities have historically faced significant challenges in accessing education, employment, and public services. Despite some progress in recent years, there is still a significant amount of stigma and discrimination faced by people with disabilities in Japan.

However, there is also a growing recognition of the need to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. This has been driven in part by the aging of the population, as older adults are more likely to have disabilities and require accommodations.

Discrimination and Legislation Issues in Relation to Disability in Japan

Despite laws designed to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities, discrimination and stigma remain major issues in Japan. People with disabilities may have limited access to education, employment, and public services, and may face significant barriers to inclusion in society.

Japan has several laws designed to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. For example, the Act on the Elimination of Disability Discrimination was passed in 2013 and prohibits discrimination based on disability in employment, education, and other areas.

However, there are still significant gaps in the implementation and enforcement of these laws. People with disabilities in Japan may still face challenges in accessing public services and transportation, as well as employment and education opportunities.

Public Transport and Building Access for the Disabled in Japan

Public transportation in Japan is generally well-designed to be accessible for people with disabilities. Many buses and trains have ramps or lifts, and newer vehicles are required to be fully accessible. There are also designated priority seating areas for people with disabilities.


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Building access is also generally good in Japan, with many newer buildings designed to be fully accessible. However, there are still some challenges for people with disabilities, particularly in older buildings that may not have been retrofitted to be accessible.

Lobbying and Advocacy Groups in Japan

There are several organizations in Japan that work to promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Some of the most prominent include:

  • Japan Disability Forum: The Japan Disability Forum is a network of organizations and individuals working to promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities in Japan. They provide a range of services, including advocacy, education, and support, and work to raise awareness about disability issues in Japan.

  • Japan Federation of the Deaf: The Japan Federation of the Deaf is an organization that works to promote the rights and inclusion of deaf people in Japan. They provide a range of services, including education and advocacy, and work to raise awareness about deaf culture and issues in Japan.

  • Japan Braille Library: The Japan Braille Library is a nonprofit organization that provides access to books and other materials in braille for people with visual impairments in Japan. They also provide support and services for people with visual impairments, and work to promote the inclusion of people with visual impairments in society.

People with disabilities in Japan still face significant challenges in accessing education, employment, and public services. Discrimination and stigma continue to be major issues, despite laws designed to promote inclusion and accessibility.

However, there are also efforts underway to promote inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities in Japan. Public transportation and building access are generally good, and there are several organizations working to promote the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.

With continued efforts from advocacy groups and the government, progress can be made towards creating a more inclusive and accessible society for people with disabilities in Japan.