Beppu Disability-Inclusive City ProjectFrom Beppu to the world, a model of an inclusive society
The Beppu Disability-Inclusive City Project
The Beppu Disability-Inclusive City Project is being carried out in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, for the further development of community frameworks that enable persons with disabilities and people without disabilities to live and work together under the concept “No Charity, but a Chance!”. Through hypothetical verifications by experts, housing, employment, and the creation of programs, the project is creating a support model rooted in Japanese culture and values with the aim of dissemination across Japan and the world.
Beginning with the establishment of the social welfare NGO Japan Sun Industries in 1965 by orthopedic surgeon Yutaka Nakamura, Beppu City in Oita Prefecture has been working toward becoming a place where persons with disabilities and people without disabilities can live and work together.
Based on Beppu City’s concept of “No Charity, but a Chance!”, persons with disabilities are considered “workers with potential” rather than “people to be cared for,” and for more than half a century, persons with disabilities have been living as members of the community who work and earn incomes. By creating a foundation where persons with disabilities can go about their daily lives participating naturally in society, the region around Japan Sun Industries is often described as a “social welfare company town” and has created an inclusive* environment and atmosphere.
Building on the area’s history and track record, The Nippon Foundation launched the Beppu Disability-Inclusive City Project as a new challenge. The project will scientifically visualize inclusive social frameworks and their application in housing, employment, and policy design, with the aim of further developing a social model that enables persons with disabilities to live their own lives.
By creating a support framework rooted in Japanese culture, traditions, and values through the integration of Beppu’s unique support for persons with disabilities and generally available models and coordination between the business sector and nonprofit sector, the project will advance the creation of a society in which everyone can live with peace of mind.
The support model that this project is creating will also be used to support persons with disabilities in countries other than Japan, especially in Asia.
- A situation and way of thinking in which each individual’s existence is respected regardless of race, gender, nationality, social position, or disability.
Current project activities
The project is currently engaged in the following activities
Survey on state of inclusive society
A survey is currently being carried out to scientifically ascertain the actual state of the “inclusive community” that Beppu has cultivated. The survey data will test the hypothesis that “If people with disabilities work, earn income, and use that income as consumers, the community will naturally become inclusive.” We plan to release the survey results in 2026.
Future project activities
The project’s main focus is to “propose models.” Working with local organizations and experts from each municipality and outside specialists, specific activities along the following themes are being considered.
1. Promoting barrier-free housing
This will aim to create housing environments in which persons with disabilities can live in their community with peace of mind “as a matter of course.” Building a model barrier-free house where people can experience and learn will enable potential residents, their families and support providers, governments, and other involved parties to learn first-hand about what is needed. We will also conduct research on the supply and demand situation for barrier-free rental housing to gain a clearer understanding of the market and its challenges. By improving the quality of home renovations and clarifying the actual state of supply and demand for barrier-free housing, we aim to contribute to policy and system improvements.
2. Support for adults with intellectual disabilities after the loss of their parents
When the parents of adults with intellectual disabilities pass away, many families face a serious challenge: the people who best understood the individual are no longer there to help with daily decisions or advocate for their needs.
The project aims to create a comprehensive support system that ensures peace of mind for both parents and their children. We are promoting understanding and the use of Japan’s adult guardianship system, while also developing a network of trained supporters and community coordinators who can step in to provide decision-making assistance, care coordination, and long-term security. Our goal is to build a sustainable model of support that helps persons with disabilities live with dignity, safety, and continuity even after their parents are gone.
3. Survey of special subsidiaries and employment of persons with disabilities
A survey is planned to understand the significance, possibilities, areas for improvement, and useful examples of special subsidiaries.* The knowledge and expertise acquired will be used to clarify issues and lay the groundwork for inclusive environments at parent companies and all group companies.
- A subsidiary established within a company or corporate group that promotes the hiring and stable employment of persons with disabilities.
4. Overseas rollout of “Social welfare x Business”
Beppu City has been developing frameworks for the employment of persons with disabilities through joint–venture companies set up by Japan Sun Industries and private-sector companies. The project will roll out this model, which has built up a wealth of expertise related to the employment of persons with physical disabilities in particular, in Southeast Asia to expand employment for persons with disabilities.
In addition to supporting activities to address specific, individual issues, this project will provide models and practical knowledge that can be used by other support organizations and municipalities, with the aim of expanding frameworks for providing sustainable support to persons with disabilities in Japan and around the world.
The Nippon Foundation will use the expertise gained from this project and its support for persons with disabilities cultivated over many years to play an even greater role as one of Asia’s largest grant-making organizations.
Contact
Global Issues Department, Disability Inclusion Team
The Nippon Foundation
Email: 100_shougai_inclusion@ps.nippon-foundation.or.jp
