Athletes who will take part in the Deaflympics gather with children in Tokyo. (Shota Tomonaga)

EDITORIAL: Japan’s push for ‘inclusive society’ loses steam after ’20 Paralympics

（社説）共生社会と政治　豊かな関係　育む先頭に

Each individual, regardless of nationality, age, gender or possible disability, proceeds along a different path in their irreplaceable lives.

In a society where all individuals’ existence resonates along the same horizon, new possibilities and discoveries are made and worlds are expanded through human relations that no amount of money can buy.

Such rich relationships help to foster an “inclusive society” where all people respect each other. It is one of the most important topics that any administration, regardless of framework, must tackle.

The prime minister, who leads the nation, holds the responsibility of standing at the forefront of that path and instilling social norms that are considered fair by all people irrespective of the situation they face.

But in her first Diet policy speech, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi gave no indication she would actively try to gain understanding from people who do not share her viewpoints. The coalition discussions between her Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party) also showed no signs of flexibility.

Instead, emphasis was placed on having the government deal resolutely with growing numbers of foreigners who are said to disobey rules or engage in illegal acts.

We recall the government, shortly after Tokyo was chosen as the host of the 2020 Paralympics, describing the event as an “excellent opportunity to make a major change in society.”

Years before the Tokyo Paralympics, the government compiled a plan to realize an inclusive society where everyone could enjoy lives full of energy. In such a society, people would place utmost importance on the human rights and dignity of others while supporting each other, regardless of disability, gender or age.

The plan was to cover all people, not just disabled individuals.

Various systemic revisions were adopted, and new systems were created.

For example, companies and a wide range of businesses were obligated to rationally consider removing barriers in society that limited the activities of disabled people.

Calls were made to increase understanding of dementia, while the spread of digital technology lowered barriers to communication.

The Deaflympics, an international sporting event for those who cannot hear or have hearing difficulties, will be held for the first time in Japan later this month.

We take to heart the words of one athlete who will compete.

“The term ‘inclusive society’ ordinarily would not need to be used. For me, it is only natural to have various people around me. Everyone has the right to live equally.”

This is something that should be kept in mind and emphasized beyond the competition.

While enjoying and admiring the athletes’ endeavors, we must also try to listen to people elsewhere who may have given up on a goal, take action and create new norms.

A more natural society will be created when everyone, including politicians, uses their ability to become more aware.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 3

障害のある人もない人も、どんな国籍や年齢、性別の人も、一人ひとりにかけがえのない命があり、尊い人生を様々に歩んでいる。互いの存在が同じ地平で響き合う社会では、お金には代えがたい人とのつながりを通して、新たな可能性や気づきを得て、世界はより広がるだろう。
　こうした豊かな関係は、すべての人が尊重しあう「共生社会」を育む。どのような枠組みの政権にとっても欠かせない、最重要課題の一つだ。この歩みの先頭に立ち、どんな境遇の人から見ても公正と感じられる規範を社会に根付かせることこそ、国を率いる首相の責務だ。
　だが、高市首相の所信表明演説や、自民党と日本維新の会との連立協議では、異なる立場にいる人と積極的に理解しあう考え方はうかがえなかった。逆に、増えている外国人に違法行為やルールを守らない人がいるとして、「政府として毅然（きぜん）と対応」する方針に力点を置いた。
　思い起こせば政府は、２０２０年の開催が決まった東京パラリンピックを「社会のあり方を大きく変える絶好の機会」として、大会の数年前から「共生社会」の実現をめざす計画をつくった。その定義を「障害の有無にかかわらず、女性も男性も、高齢者も若者も、すべての人がお互いの人権や尊厳を大切にし、支え合い、誰もが生き生きとした人生を享受できる社会」とした。対象は障害者に限らない、「すべての人」だ。
　制度面では、様々な見直しや整備が進んだ。たとえば障害のある人が社会の中で活動を制限されている壁を取り除くための「合理的配慮」は、企業など幅広い事業者の義務となった。認知症への理解が呼びかけられ、デジタル技術の普及によって、コミュニケーションの垣根もかつてよりは低くなった。
　まもなく、デフリンピックが初めて日本で開かれる。聞こえない、聞こえにくい人のための国際スポーツ大会だ。
　出場する選手から伝えられた言葉を、かみしめる。
　「『共生社会』という言葉は本来、わざわざ使う必要はないはず。周りにいろんな人が一緒にいるのは私にとっては当たり前で、どんな人にも平等に生きる人権がある」
　大会のときだけ意識し、盛り上がるのではない。
　選手たちの活躍を共に楽しむ先に、誰かがどこかであきらめているかもしれない声なき声に耳を傾け、行動を起こし、規範へとつながっていく。政治家はもちろん、一人ひとりの「気づく力」が、社会の当たり前をつくる。

(2025年11月3日)

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EDITORIAL: Japan’s push for ‘inclusive society’ loses steam after ’20 Paralympics
（社説）共生社会と政治　豊かな関係　育む先頭に