Japanese Disability Discrimination Act: Policy and Discourse

This chapter introduces the policies and discourses related to the Japanese Disability Discrimination Act (hereafter called “the Act”). While the Japanese central government has implemented numerous rules based on the Act, local governments have their policies and ordinances. In this context, the Osaka Prefecture Government Policy is regarded as an advanced case in an urban area in Japan. Additionally, this chapter explores the Act, focusing on the psychosocial issues of persons with disabilities, revealing the influence of Japanese social and cultural norms. These norms have a mutual relationship with the translation of reasonable accommodation. Notably, the Act’s ambiguity provides some flexibility for persons with disabilities to share their disability-related experiences, leading them to experience solidarity or a disability identity.