Key Facts
• July 20, 2025: Upper House election emphasizes barrier-free voting for disabled individuals.
• Over 90 municipalities ordered 13,000 voting aids from the Japan Braille Library.
• Voting aids feature cutouts and textures to guide visually impaired voters.
• Only 10% of visually impaired individuals can use Braille for voting.
• Kanagawa’s Atsugi City introduced aids in July 2023, inspiring broader adoption.
• Saitama Prefecture distributed 110 aids to 43 municipalities for early voting.
• Yamagata City created 100 handmade aids from recycled materials for all voting sites.
• Japan Braille Library offers black and transparent aids for low-vision voters.
• Officials highlight the need for national policies to ensure equal access.
• Current election laws lack provisions for Braille, audio, or large-print materials.
Summary
Efforts to make voting accessible for visually impaired individuals are expanding across Japan. The Japan Braille Library has sold 13,000 voting aids to over 90 municipalities, enabling voters to independently write candidate names. These aids, featuring cutouts and textures, address the needs of those who cannot use Braille, which applies to 90% of visually impaired individuals. Local governments, such as Saitama and Yamagata, are also innovating with purchased and handmade aids. Despite progress, officials stress the need for national policies to eliminate regional disparities and ensure accessibility. Current election laws do not mandate Braille, audio, or large-print materials, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving full electoral inclusivity.
