The law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities in employment, education, and access to health care, and the government effectively enforced these provisions.

Persons with disabilities generally were not subject to overt discrimination in employment, education, or provision of other state services; however, in practice they faced limited access to these services.

During the year the revised law to promote employment of persons with disabilities went into effect, mandating that the government and private companies hire fixed minimum proportions of persons with disabilities (including mental disabilities). Companies with more than 300 employees that do not comply must pay a fine of $425 (50,000 yen) per position per month. As of June public employment of persons with disabilities exceeded the minimum, but the private sector lagged behind despite increases over 2005, according to MHLW statistics.

In December revisions to accessibility laws mandated that new construction projects for public use must include provisions for persons with disabilities. In addition, the government allows operators of hospitals, theaters, hotels, and other public use facilities to receive low interest loans and tax benefits if they upgrade or install features to accommodate persons with disabilities.

The government supported the right of persons with disabilities to participate in civic affairs.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2006

Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, US Department of State

March 6, 2007